MPs today will debate assisted dying for the first time in almost two years after 200,000 signed a petition.
Campaigners including Dame Esther Rantzen want there to be a change in the law. The veteran broadcaster, who has lung cancer, was due to attend the debate but has pulled out because she is too ill. The 83-year-old has said she is considering travelling to Switzerland for an assisted death.
She said: "While, sadly, my health issues prevent me from attending it myself, I will be watching the debate closely as it affects my own decision to go to Dignitas in Zurich if necessary, to protect my family from witnessing a painful death."
Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, who has previously described the current law as "increasingly unbearable" following the death of his younger brother Nicholas who suffered with motor neurone disease (MND), is expected to be among the famous faces to gather outside Parliament ahead of the debate.
Dame Prue Leith hailed Dame Esther's efforts in speaking out and thanked her for "everything she has done to make our politicians sit up and pay attention". The Great British Bake Off judge, who will not be able to attend because of filming commitments, added: "What is needed is less pearl-clutching about whether this reform should happen, and more serious, constructive debate about how to craft the best possible law for our dying people."
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The debate was triggered after a petition on the issue attracted over 200,000 signatures. It stated: “This petition calls for the Government to allocate Parliamentary time for assisted dying to be fully debated in the House of Commons and to give MPs a vote on the issue. Terminally ill people who are mentally sound and near the end of their lives should not suffer unbearably against their will.”
The Westminster Hall debate on the petition will last up to three hours, however, a vote will not be held. Justice Minister Laura Farris will respond on behalf of the Government.
Keir Starmer has said that he personally wants assisted dying to be legalised. The Labour leader has pledged to give MPs a free vote on changing the law in England if he wins the general election.
Wes Streeting yesterday admitted he feels “genuinely conflicted” on the issue. The Shadow Health Secretary told Times Radio: “I voted in favour of the last assisted dying bill brought before Parliament. It was a debate we needed to have. But it depends when you catch me on this question. I watched my grandmother die last year of terminal cancer. I had a friend die just a few weeks ago with cancer.
"I would have given anything to stop the suffering. And in those moments I think very strongly I'd vote in favour of assisted dying. And then in the cold light of day, I think you've got to make sure no one feels forced or coerced into that choice. I'd need reassurance no doctor would be coerced or forced to take part in ending someone's life in that way. Ultimately, as long as the law gives people the freedom to choose, I'd be minded to support it. But it really is about the detail and the checks and balances".
Opponents fear assisted dying would weaken society's respect for the sanctity of life and put pressure on the vulnerable.
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