Spitting Image: Jacinda Ardern puppet sings about euthanising elderly to Mary Poppins tune in comedy sketch

The latest episode of comedy sketch show Spitting Image has depicted Jacinda Ardern in puppet-form singing about euthanising the elderly to the tune of a classic Mary Poppins song. 

The British television show, which satirises politicians and celebrities, added Ardern to the cast of characters back in October in a Mary Poppins-inspired role. The character's first appearance saw her boast about her record in politics, while her second featured the puppet smoking cannabis.

In the latest episode, which aired on November 7 in the United Kingdom, Ardern pops up in a cafe with her sheep umbrella, telling patrons it was another "practically perfect day in New Zealand". An elderly customer agrees, but says he has arthritis in his knee.

"We can't have that," the Ardern puppet replies. "But thanks to recent legislation, we have a solution."

The character begins singing to the tune of the famous Mary Poppins song 'A Spoonful of Sugar'. 

"With every joint that seems to ache, there is an option you can take. We passed, you see, a law for you and me. A spot of euthanasia helps the elderly go down, the wobbly go down, the knobbly go down," Ardern sings.

"A spot of euthanasia keeps the health bill way down in a cost-effective way."

Frightened, the elderly gentleman says his knee is "fine", but Ardern says it is "best to be sure". The character pulls out a machete and swings at the man as the camera cuts. 

The skit follows New Zealand's recent euthanasia referendum, which asked Kiwis whether they supported the End of Life Choice Act 2019.

The Act, which has already passed through Parliament, gives people with a terminal illness the option of requesting assisted dying.

However, unlike what is suggested in the Spitting Image sketch, someone wouldn't be able to be euthanised for just a sore knee. There is a list of eligibility criteria, including that the person suffers from a terminal illness that will likely end their life within six months, that they are experiencing unbearable suffering and have a "significant and ongoing decline in physical capability". 

At the October 17 election, the referendum passed with 65.1 percent support. The Act will come into force in 12 months.