Cabinet set for split on assisted dying vote as Miliband backs the bill

MPs backing a new bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales hope to secure a Commons vote by Christmas, but cabinet ministers are set for a big split over support for the legislation.

- Rowena Mason, Aletha Adu

The bill, due to be brought forward by the Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater this month, is to be a free vote but some senior cabinet ministers are expected to vote against the measure - and several, including the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and the health secretary, Wes Streetingremain undecided.

The legislation would give eligible terminally ill adults a choice at the end of life to shorten dying and ensure stronger protection for them and their loved ones afterwards.

The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, yesterday became the first cabinet minister to say he would back the bill. "I understand there are people with very legitimate views on the other side of the argument but I think the current situation is cruel and awful for many people in the most difficult circumstances," he told the BBC.

Others previously in favour of legalising assisted dying for the terminally ill include Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, Louise Haigh, the transport secretary and Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary.

The prime minister would not be drawn on his vote, stressing the neutrality of the government, despite having said in the past that there was a case for changing the exisitng law.