Strong views defended

A MINISTER has defended her Cabinet colleagues voicing "strong opinions" in opposition to assisted dying ahead of a historic Commons vote this week.

- 

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said she would not criticise the health and justice secretaries for their interventions after both expressed concerns about the legislation due before Parliament on Friday.

However, she confirmed she would be voting in favour of backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally-ill adults with less than six months to live after this week's debate.

Facing broadcasters yesterday, Ms Kendall was asked how Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting could keep their jobs if the legislation passes after voicing vehement opposition to it.