Vow over 'impossible dream to come true'

PM keeps pledge to Esther dying bill on

- LIZZY BUCHAN

KEIR Starmer has confirmed he will keep his promise to Dame Esther Rantzen to give MPs a free vote on assisted dying.

The Labour leader spoke to the Childline founder, who has stage four lung cancer, before the General Election, when he pledged to allow a Commons vote on the issue.

Speaking in Rome, the PM said: "I gave her my word we would make time for this with a private member's bill and I repeat that commitment. I made it to her personally and I meant it." Veteran broadcaster Dame Esther, 84, said: "I remember saying to Sir Keir that I assumed even if a debate did happen it would be too late for me, and I was extremely touched when he said he hoped I would still be alive to hear it.