Clear evidence of shift in views on assisted dying from MPs at Westminster debate, with support in every major political party

MPs from every major political party have voiced their support for a change in the law on assisted dying during a Westminster Hall debate that was secured by a petition backed by Dame Esther Rantzen, Dignity in Dying and more than 200,000 members of the public.

During a crowded and at times emotional debate, MPs from across the House called for time to be given for the next Parliament to hold a “thorough and fresh” debate and free vote on the issue. More than half of those who spoke in the debate indicated that they would support a change in the law.

A number of MPs told how they had previously opposed assisted dying but have subsequently changed their minds, having been moved by the stories of constituents harmed by the current blanket ban. Other MPs shared their personal stories of losing a loved one, and how that has increased their support for change. Tributes were also made to the late Labour peer Frank Field, who revealed in a debate in the House of Lords in 2021 that he was terminally ill and would want the choice for himself.

The debate came about after an official petition spearheaded by Dame Esther Rantzen secured more than 200,000 signatures since January. In December, Dame Esther revealed that she has joined an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland following a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer.

Ahead of the debate, hundreds of people – including high profile figures such as Jonathan Dimbleby, dying people and bereaved relatives – gathered outside the Houses of Parliament at a public demonstration, calling for MPs to listen to their stories and represent the views of the 75% of the public who back a change in the law.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:

“Today’s debate has put beyond doubt that assisted dying reform is coming to the UK. MPs from every major party have backed law change, with many changing their minds. Right across the House MPs called for proper parliamentary time for debate and a free vote – notably, even from those opposed to reform. This follows promises from both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to ensure a full debate on assisted dying in the next Parliament. The message heard today by dying people and their families up and down the country couldn’t have been clearer: Parliament is listening, at last.

“Dame Esther Rantzen’s interventions have lit a rocket under this vital conversation, and though illness kept her at home today, the spirit of what she has called her ‘final campaign’ was very much present in the air of Westminster Hall. Esther has given a voice to the 75% of us who want and need this law to change and made our calls impossible for MPs to ignore.

“With the General Election looming, today’s incredibly positive comments by MPs have passed the baton to the next Parliament to embark on a meaningful, constructive debate – not on whether reform is needed, but on how to implement a safe and compassionate law, that is right for the UK.”

Momentum towards a UK assisted dying law for terminally ill, mentally competent adults has grown rapidly in recent months, with an increasing number of MPs acknowledging the urgent need for reform, and growing expectation that there will be a significant breakthrough in the next Parliament.

In February, the first ever Commons inquiry into assisted dying reassured MPs that such laws already work safely in many countries around the world, with tight safeguards that benefit and protect dying people, and improve end-of-life care as a whole.

In its report, the Health & Social Care Select Committee alerted the Government to the high likelihood that some terminally ill British citizens will have access to an assisted death this decade, with simultaneous bills moving forward in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of man.

The Government’s official response to the inquiry today stated that it would discuss with the Crown Dependencies the practical implications should those parliaments change their own laws on assisted dying.

In March, the largest and most in-depth UK-wide survey of public opinion on assisted dying revealed that 75% of the public back law change on assisted dying, consistent across ages, backgrounds and voting intentions, and with majority support in every parliamentary constituency across Great Britain.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer have both committed to ensuring time to debate assisted dying if either is successful in their respective bids to lead the next Government following the General Election.

*Ends*

For more information or interview requests, please email Molly Pike, Media and Campaigners Officers at Dignity in Dying, molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07855209809