'We believe in compassion, kindness and choice ...like most of the country. I'm quietly hopeful'

DAME Esther Rantzen's daughter led calls for "kindness, compassion and choice" outside Parliament yesterday as campaigners voiced support for the assisted dying bill.

- Hanna Geissler

Rebecca Wilcox said her mum was “terrified” that the family’s memories of her will be tainted if she suffers a “traumatic death”.

The This Morning host, 45, added: “She believes in compassion and kindness, she has campaigned for that in various forms.

“She campaigned for that for children, she campaigned for that for old people now this campaign is about the end of our lives.”

MPs only had time to vote on two amendments to the bill after a gruelling report stage debate. One of the amendment s means that medical staff will be allowed to opt out of helping patients die.

The debate is set to continue on June 13 and may then continue on June 20.

Outside the Commons Rebecca, sporting a pink blazer and top to match members of campaign group Dignity in Dying, told the Daily Express: “We really believe in kindness, compassion and choice and I just hope the MPs reflect that.

“The majority of the country believes what we believe and I'm quietly hopeful.”

Adding that her mum would be watching the debate from home, Rebecca said: “I’ve already had several directions from her as to what to wear. I feel that she’s made me into Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, but I’m here for it. She and I are talking about this all the time. She is so behind this campaign, she is so grateful for the ears and eyes of the world on this. And I just hope Parliament votes our way.”

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said more than 90 MPs wished to speak as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill backed by the Daily Express Give Us Our Last Rights crusade - returned to the Commons.

He asked those selected to limit themselves to 15 minutes initially.