Dame Esther Rantzen says her “impossible dream” of seeing assisted dying debated in the Commons may now come true, after Sir Keir Starmer renewed his vow to make time for it. The veteran broadcaster, 84, has fought tirelessly for MPs to hold a full debate and free vote since revealing her terminal lung cancer diagnosis last year. Asked whether he could reassure her that a vote will take place before Christmas, the Prime Minister would not be drawn on the timeline.
But he said on Monday: “I gave her my word that we would make time for this with a Private Members’ Bill and I repeat that commitment. I made it to her personally and I meant it, and we will.” Sir Keir was referring to a March phone call with Dame Esther, during which he promised to allow time for assisted dying to be considered by Parliament if he was elected.
READ MORE: Dame Esther handed hope as Citizens' Jury backs law change on assisted dying She said of his latest comments: “This is wonderful news. I am so grateful, given all the other challenges he is facing, that he remembers our conversation and his promise to me. He told me he hoped I would be alive to hear a proper debate in Parliament.
“At the time I thought that was an impossible dream, but thanks to a new targeted drug which seems to have stopped the spread of my lung cancer, and thanks to Sir Keir’s commitment and the support of so many people around me, it may come true. “Thank you, Sir Keir, on behalf of all the people who, like me.