Bill English tells Simon O'Connor he's wrong over euthanasia comments

National leader Bill English says he has texted his colleague Simon O'Connor to tell him it was wrong to link suicide and euthanasia.

English said today that neither he nor his party agreed with backbench MP Simon O'Connor's comments on the issue.

After Labour leader Jacinda cried at a suicide prevention rally yesterday, O'Connor questioned why she was concerned about youth suicide while encouraging elderly or disabled suicide by supporting voluntary euthanasia.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, English said he didn't agree with O'Connor.

"We don't link euthanasia and suicide," he said.

"In both cases, what's important here is compassion for people who are vulnerable.

"For suicide, we're trying to find better and wider solutions as a practical expression of that support for people who are at risk."