PLEASE THINK OF THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING

As the battle for assisted dying turns bitter, campaigners issue a heartfelt plea to MPs facing the biggest decision of a generation

- By Hanna Geissler and David Williamson

CAMPAIGNERS have urged MPs to focus on the suffering of terminally ill people who are "calling out for choice", as the battle for assisted dying becomes increasingly embittered.

With time running out for supporters of changing the law such as Dame Esther Rantzen, whose medication for terminal lung cancer has stopped working there was growing anger at opponents trying to kick Kim Leadbeater's historic Bill down the line like a political football.

Both sides have been vying for support as they fight over the biggest change to healthcare in Britain in the 21st century.

Ms Leadbeater has hit back at her critics by insisting the process of crafting the landmark legislation has been "thorough, rigorous and professional".

But those against it have been working to persuade MPs who initially supported the Bill to stop it likely dooming any chance of assisted dying being legalised before the next general election. This came as Rebecca Wilcox, the daughter of Dame Esther, 84 - Britain's highest profile champion of assisted dying - said her mother was no longer responding to her terminal cancer drugs.