ESTHER: MY JOY MPS CAN BRING IN RIGHT TO DIE LAW

DAME Esther Rantzen's campaign to force a vote on assisted dying has taken a step forward after the Government said that it would allow MPs to decide on changing the law.

- Hanna Geissler & Giles Sheldrick

The veteran activist, who has stage four lung cancer and wishes to die without pain, said: "I know this is due to our petition, so my heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed it.

Guarantee

"But because time is running out before an election, we still need every party to guarantee that this debate is in their manifesto.

"So let's all write to our MPs expressing our deep concern that all of us must be given this choice." crucial The TV legend, 83, has registered with the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. Earlier this week she said she hopes to enjoy a "fantastic dinner" with caviar and champagne before ending her life.

The broadcaster's brave decision to speak out about wanting to die at a time and place of her choosing struck a chord with thousands across the nation.

The Daily Express Give Us Our Last Rights crusade calls for terminally ill people who are mentally competent and expected to die within six months to be given the option of requesting medical assistance to end their lives.