The Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London have met with Kim Leadbeater, the MP who tabled the private members’ bill on assisted dying, to discuss their opposing views.

A spokesperson for Ms Leadbeater said it was a “productive” meeting. The MP for Spen Valley previously said she has “great respect” for the Archbishop.

All parties agreed that palliative care in the UK needs greater funding and improvement.

Rt Rev Sarah Mullally has done targeted work addressing health inequality, and said that legalising assisted dying would “widen the existing health inequalities which are such a scar on our national life”.

She acknowledged that the conversation is “deeply complex”.

Archbishop Justin has warned of the “slippery slope” that may come with assisted dying, and warned that vulnerable members of society may feel pressure to end their lives due to feeling like a burden.

Kim Leadbeater has disagreed with the notion of a slippery slope, claiming that “very clear criteria, safeguards and protections” would be put in place under her bill.

The second reading of the bill will take place on 29th November.