Now Donald Trump wades in on Britain's assisted dying plans as US condemns 'state-subsidised suicide'
A branch of the US State Department appeared to encourage the House of Lords to block the law by 'reaffirming the sanctity of life'.
The intervention came after MPs passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill with a majority of 23 votes last week - down from 55 at second reading stage in November.
Assisted dying campaigners including Dame Esther Rantzen have urged peers not to thwart the legislation with amendments or delaying tactics.
Posting on X yesterday, the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour - part of Marco Rubio 's State Department - said: 'As the UK Parliament considers support for state-subsidised suicide, euphemistically called a bill for ''Terminally Ill Adults'', the United States reaffirms the sanctity of life.
'The western world should stand for life, vitality and hope over surrender and death.'
A branch of the US State Department appeared to encourage the House of Lords to block the law by 'reaffirming the sanctity of life'
The legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
Around a dozen US states operate versions of assisted dying.
Tory MP John Hayes told the Telegraph he agreed with the statement but was 'disturbed' about the implications for Transatlantic ties.
'It is unusual for our closest ally to become involved in issues around the legislative detail of what goes on in Parliament,' he said.
The Government is neutral on the backbench legislation, meaning MPs were not whipped to vote in favour or against.
Keir Starmer backed the plans, and this week slapped down a suggestion from Health Secretary Wes Streeting that 'there isn't a budget' for delivering an assisted dying service.
But asked about funding by reporters, the PM said: 'It is my responsibility to make sure the Bill is workable, and that means workable in all its aspects.
'I'm confident we've done that preparation.'
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