Ian Byrne launches hospice funding campaign as Parliament debates assisted dying bill

Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, has launched a campaign for hospice funding as Parliament debated an assisted dying bill, which was passed today. He emphasized the need for more support for end-of-life care. Byrne highlighted a £60 million funding deficit facing hospices this year, leading to potential cuts and closures. He noted that only one-third of hospice income comes from government funding, with the rest relying on donations. He previously helped save Zoe's Place Baby Hospice from closure and is now advocating for sustainable funding for all hospices. Byrne has shared a petition urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to provide necessary funding.