Renowned British politician and former Labour MP Frank Field has passed away at the age of 81 after battling a terminal illness.
Field, a strong advocate for assisted dying, revealed his diagnosis in 2021 and expressed his acceptance of the situation. His family confirmed his passing this morning, marking the end of a life dedicated to public service.
Hailing from Edmonton, north London, Field served as the MP for Birkenhead in the Wirral, Merseyside, for over four decades, from 1979 to 2019. Throughout his political career, he held various key positions, including Welfare Reform Minister in Tony Blair’s Cabinet. He was known for his work on issues such as pensions reform, child poverty, modern slavery, and climate change.
In recent years, Field made headlines for his advocacy of assisted dying legislation, particularly as he faced his own mortality. He shared his experiences with terminal illness openly, even supporting a bill in the House of Lords that would allow individuals with a short time left to live to choose when they die, under specific conditions.
Field’s dedication to social justice and his unwavering commitment to fighting for the welfare of vulnerable populations have left a lasting impact across political spheres.
He will be remembered not only for his contributions to policy-making but also for his compassion, humor, and deep friendships outside of politics.
