Tom Tugendhat warns assisted suicide laws could become a "cost-saving" measure

Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat has expressed discomfort with assisted suicide laws, warning they could be misused as a "cost-saving" measure rather than prioritising proper care for vulnerable individuals.

Speaking on LBC, Tugendhat raised concerns about legislation in Canada and Belgium, where some people are treated as a "burden" instead of receiving care. He argued that assisted suicide should not replace "good palliative care," which should remain the focus of investment.

He said: "The reason I'm so cautious about this is because the job of politicians is to think of the most vulnerable and to look after those who are most in need. This is a terribly difficult balance because I respect your right and I completely understand why you'd be asking the question if you were in that situation.

"But at the same time I must make sure that the young man or woman who is suffering from PTSD who feels that they're a burden on the state, who goes into hospital, knows that that hospital is there to care for them and not just to look for a cost saving measure, is absolutely vital to making sure we recognise the dignity of every British person."

His comments come as a vote on assisted suicide could be fast-tracked in the Commons, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer showing support for a debate and vote on the issue. A vote could take place before Christmas.