Rantzen: Dogs are given kinder deaths than people

The presenter has announced she'll consider using Dignitas

- JOE MIDDLETON

Dame Esther Rantzen said she has joined Dignitas and that dogs have kinder deaths than people, as campaigners congregated outside of parliament ahead of a debate on assisted dying.

Dame Esther said she is considering travelling to Switzerland for an assisted death, after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023.

The Childline founder and broadcaster has branded the current law as “not right” and “not ethical”, and has called for a free vote on assisted dying in parliament.

MPs are to debate assisted dying for the first time in almost two years after a petition backed by Dame Esther, Dignity in Dying and the Daily Express secured more than 200,000 signatures.

She told the BBC’s Today programme: “I beg MPs to attend it, whatever their view, whether they support a change in the law or they don’t, it’s so important they hear the evidence from around the world because other countries are ahead of us, other countries have legalised assisted dying under carefully regulated circumstances.

“The evidence is clear, it does not damage palliative care, and in some cases, it has a really positive impact and for me personally, it would mean I could look forward in confidence to a death which is pain-free surrounded by people I love.