英国首相安迪·伯纳姆表示，应当在改革姑息治疗和社会护理体系之后再进行辅助死亡法案的辩论[1]。虽然伯纳姆个人倾向于支持该法案，但他认为当前应优先解决护理体系的资金困境[1]。伯纳姆指出："我认为需要首先修复姑息治疗和社会护理的资金问题"[1]。
为推进改革，伯纳姆宣布启动社会护理改革计划，其中包括将露易丝·凯西的独立审查提前一年至2027年夏季完成，以及推行护理人员公平薪酬协议[1]。他承诺不违背劳工党本届议会的税收承诺，但表示改革可能需要税收上升[1]。辅助死亡法案将于9月提交议会投票[1]。伯纳姆曾在2010年担任卫生大臣期间尝试推动社会护理改革，而过去30年内相关改革已失败22次[1]。
Andy Burnham has called for delaying discussions on assisted dying legislation until the government addresses fundamental deficiencies in palliative care and social care funding.[1] While personally sympathetic to the proposed law—which is scheduled for a parliamentary vote in September—the Prime Minister argued that fixing the care system's financial crisis must take priority.[1] "I think we need to fix the funding for palliative care and social care first," Burnham stated.[1]
To that end, Burnham announced a comprehensive social care reform initiative.[1] The plan includes accelerating completion of an independent review by Louise Casey by one year, with results now expected in summer 2027 rather than 2028.[1] The government has also committed to implementing a fair pay agreement for care workers.[1] Burnham acknowledged that meaningful reform may require tax increases but pledged to avoid breaking the Labour Party's tax commitments for this parliamentary term.[1] The urgency of action is underscored by the fact that social care reform efforts have failed 22 times over the past three decades.[1] Burnham himself previously attempted to tackle social care reform during his tenure as Health Secretary in 2010.[1]