Alicia Edmund, our head of public policy, in a recent interview with Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, discussed the heart behind the Commission on Palliative and End of Life Care. Rachael also sets out her prediction ahead of third reading vote in April on the assisted dying in Westminster.
The assisted dying bill in Westminster has distracted the media, MPs and ministers’ attention away from the important and pressing question confronting our country at the moment and that is: “How should the government improve end of life and palliative care in the UK?”
The interview with Rachael Maskell is an opportunity for listeners to hear how she is seeking to make palliative care a key talking point within Westminster.
Parliamentarians launch an independent Palliative and End of Life Commission
During prime minister’s questions in October last year, Rachel asked the deputy prime minister filling in whether “the Government would set up a commission for palliative and end of life care, so that everyone can access the very best support when terminally ill and have peaceful and dignified death”. In reply, the deputy prime minister gave a non-committal response but agreed to a minister meeting with Rachael to discuss the issue further.
Not satisfied with the response, Rachael along with other parliamentarians and leading clinical experts launched an independent Commission for Palliative and End of Life Care and in January 2025 a call for evidence.
As part of its three-month inquiry, the Commission will hear from international and domestic clinicians and hospice leaders, and disabilities rights groups will share research and new strategies to improving access and support for patients and their families at the end of life. The evidence session concludes on 17 April, when a report will be shared with parliamentarians, the public and the UK Government. Its findings will be an important contribution to the government’s 10-year strategy to improving the NHS and bringing about social care reforms. To stay informed, visit the Commission’s website.
Towards the end of the interview, Rachael discussed her concerns on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill currently in committee and shared top tips for Christians, especially those with clinical experience, in how to positively engage with your local MP on this issue.
Kim Leadbeater replaces High Court judge with assisted dying review panels
Backbench Labour MPs are vocalising their concerns in response to Leadbeater’s U-turn
