‘Vote for choice!’ Esther Rantzen and Express send message ahead of assisted dying vote

Dame and the Express today call on MPs to vote with their heads and hearts on so all terminally ill people “can look forward with confidence to a good death”.

In a final appeal for compassion, she says our elected representatives have “a rare opportunity to make a life and death decision”. And the lifelong campaigner urges them to give hope “not only to your constituents but to future generations”.

Dame Esther, 84, says: “Every single vote is crucial, so please attend this debate, listen to the evidence and reflect upon your own experience and what your constituents have told you.”

Independent polls have repeatedly shown that the public overwhelmingly supports a careful change in the law for terminally ill people who are nearing the end of life.

For almost three years, our crusade has shone a spotlight on the harrowing stories of those who have experienced agonising deaths, taken their own lives in horrific ways, or travelled to Dignitas in shame and secrecy.

Writing in the Express, Dame Esther says: “If you decide to vote to change our current cruel messy criminal law, in future the choice of a good, merciful death will not be restricted to those who can afford to fly to Switzerland.

“Terminally ill people will be able to look forward with confidence to a good death, in their own homes, surrounded by those they love.”

The Childline founder reignited a national debate about assisted dying after revealing her own stage four lung cancer diagnosis last year.

People whose conditions mean they face difficult deaths currently only have a choice between “suffering, suicide or Switzerland”, Dame Esther says.

She adds: “Please make it possible for your constituents to choose another option if their life becomes unbearable.”

A second reading of Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s assisted dying Bill is due to begin at 9.30am on Friday in the House of Commons. It is expected to be one of the most well-attended debates in recent history.

Supporters have expressed quiet confidence that the Bill will pass this stage – which would indicate MPs’ support for its principles and allow further time for line-by-line scrutiny of the proposed legislation.

However, a significant number of MPs last night had yet to declare their voting intentions and the result appeared to rest on a knife edge.

It is also possible that an amendment could scupper the vote. One already tabled claims there has not been time for “sufficient debate on and scrutiny” of the Bill. The Speaker of the House will decide which, if any, amendments are selected.

Terminally ill campaigner Nathaniel Dye, who has stage four bowel cancer, warned it would be a “dark day for democracy” if the vote did not go ahead.

Speaking directly to those trying to halt the process, the teacher said: “What about me? My end of life suffering is the human consequence of your tabling this amendment.

“Have you even begun to consider the plight of terminally ill adults, like myself?”

Some opponents have argued that a royal commission on end-of-life care should take place before any decision is made on assisted dying. But campaigners say this is a delaying tactic rather than a genuine attempt to improve services.

Nathaniel, 38, added: “I will certainly not survive the years and decades that it would take for the unnecessary further reviews and royal commission you suggest.

“This debate has been going on for decades. Enough delay – it’s time for action for my sake, that of my family and dying people across this proud nation.

“Time is of the essence and mine is running out. I will feel so betrayed if this Bill is blocked rather than debated. If we can’t show the basic kindness and compassion for those dying to debate what many of us feel is vital, what does that say about our politics?

“If your amendment is successful, history will mark Friday 29th November 2024 as a dark, dark day for democracy.”

Ms Leadbeater last night said she hoped this Parliament would be remembered for introducing a “major social reform that gives people autonomy over the end of their lives and puts right an injustice that has been left on the statute books for far too long”.

She added: “People will be looking in on Parliament as it debates this important change to the law – a change that, when we most need it, could bring comfort to any one of us or to somebody we love.

“I hope Parliament will show itself at its best and most compassionate and that MPs will show themselves, as they have in the past when major social reforms have come before them, ready to correct injustice and reduce human suffering.”

Prime Minister Sir is among those expected to vote in favour of the Bill, although he has been careful to remain publicly neutral as asked of all Cabinet members.

Bullish Health Secretary Wes Streeting has campaigned strongly against it, citing concerns about palliative care and the cost to the NHS. But the health minister responsible for end-of-life care, Stephen Kinnock, has confirmed that he will vote for the Bill.

Former prime ministers , Gordon Brown and Liz Truss all oppose it. However, David Cameron this week revealed he had changed his mind on the issue.

He said: “Will the law lead to a meaningful reduction in human suffering? I find it very hard to argue that the answer to this question is anything other than ‘yes’.”

Former health secretary Matt Hancock also announced his support on Thursday and said his mind was changed by the man who launched the Express assisted dying campaign.

Terminally ill cancer patient David Minns, 75, was the first person to bravely share his story in the pages of this newspaper in February 2022.

Mr Hancock said: “Talking to him and his family was incredibly moving. He knew his death was inevitable and risked being painful, and he begged me to get the law changed and it didn’t change in time for him. He died last year.”

David’s wife Sue and son Matt later revealed that his final hours, days and weeks were marred by agony and fear.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said today would be “a truly historic day for compassion and choice in this country”.

She added: “MPs have the chance to vote to end needless suffering for dying people. Three-quarters of the British public are willing them to do so, and they will be paying close attention to the vote today.

“Many MPs are recognising that the status quo is not fit for purpose. They must back this Bill today to ensure a full, constructive and comprehensive debate can take place. Do not miss this opportunity to bring about real change for dying people and their families.”

The stories of those who have been affected by the UK’s ban on assisted dying were also captured in an Express documentary filmed over eight months.

is available on YouTube.