Bill to legalise assisted dying to come back earlier than Parliament subsequent week

A move to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill will come before Parliament next week.

Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer of Thoroton will table a private member’s Bill – the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill – to allow those with less than six months to live to end their life.

Sir Keir Starmer has said he is in favour of a change in the law and will allow MPs to vote on the issue according to their conscience, but has indicated that while he will make time for a Commons vote, it is not likely to happen for at least a year.

He said: ‘There will be a free vote, that remains my position.’

A move to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill will come before Parliament next week

Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer of Thoroton (pictured in February) will table a private member’s Bill – the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill – to allow those with less than six months to live to end their life

Pro-assisted dying campaigners gather outside Parliament on April 29

The cause has been championed by broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, 83, who has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas in Switzerland. Assisting someone to end their life is currently a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Critics argue that legalisation could put pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for fear of being a burden on others. Supporters say it would allow people with life-limiting conditions to die with dignity.

Any change in the law would be highly controversial.

An emotional debate in Westminster Hall earlier this year saw MPs from all parties give impassioned speeches for and against changing the law.