New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said debate around the introduction of assisted suicide and euthanasia should be put on hold until palliative and social care programs in the country are properly funded.

Labour MP Lauren Edwards had reintroduced an assisted suicide bill that had failed in the last session of parliament. Her bill is due to have its second reading on September 11.

“I take the view that that debate – and I don’t say that there shouldn’t be a debate at some point about those issues – personally, I think there’s something that needs to happen first,” Burnham told reporters on Wednesday.

Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool welcomed the news.

“It is highly significant that the Prime Minister has confirmed his position about the need for proper palliative and social care ahead of the Second Reading”.

Sherrington stressed the Church’s long-standing opposition to assisted suicide and support for palliative and end of life care “as an appropriate focus to uphold the dignity of all at the end of life.”