Former Labour minister and assisted dying advocate, Frank Field, has passed away at the age of 81. Field, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021, had been open about his battle with the terminal illness. After being put into hospice, Field later recovered and became a vocal supporter of assisted dying, sharing his personal experience and advocating for a change in the law.
Field’s career in politics spanned decades, serving as the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead from 1979 to 2019. He held various ministerial positions, including Welfare Reform Minister in Tony Blair’s first Cabinet from 1997 to 1998. Field also served as the director of the Child Poverty Action Group from 1969 to 1979.
In 2020, Field entered the House of Lords as the Rt Hon the Lord Field of Birkenhead, and continued to serve on the boards of Cool Earth, Feeding Britain, and the Frank Field Education Trust. He was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the 2022 New Year Honours.
Field’s passing has been met with sadness by admirers across the political spectrum. He will be remembered for his dedication to social justice and his advocacy for the most vulnerable in society.
