More than 100,000 people have backed the Daily Express petition demanding that MPs allow a free vote on the issue of assisted dying. The petition surpassed 100,000 people today, meaning the government will now consider it for debate.
The Daily Express, terminally ill TV star Dame Esther Rantzen and Dignity in Dying have joined forces to end an injustice that affects every family in Britain.
Sarah Wootton, chief executive of charity Dignity in Dying, said: “The thousands of signatures flooding into the petition are proof that support for the legalisation of assisted dying is stronger than ever. People demand change.
“This is a cross-party issue that unites the country like almost no other. MPs must find the courage to act on assisted dying – it’s what British people are calling out for.”
Widowed Dame Esther, 83, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January last year, told Express readers: “Your response to the petition on assisted dying is moving and inspirational.”
The scandal has prompted record numbers – including grandmother-of-five Dame Esther – to sign up to Swiss assisted dying clinic Dignitas.
Some 300 terminally ill people in the UK take their lives every year to end their suffering.
Dame Esther added: “Palliative care is wonderful but it cannot prevent some from dying in acute pain.
“We want to protect those we love, and ourselves, from unnecessary suffering. It’s our life, it should be our choice.”
Our 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.
Backed by Dame Esther Rantzen and Dignity in Dying, it will run until July 5.
Having passed more than 10,000 signatures, the Government is obliged to offer a written response.
Now that it has passed more than 100,000 signatures, it could be up for debate in parliament.
Want to read more about the petition? If so, click here.
