Dame Esther Rantzen has made an emotional plea to members of the House of Lords, urging them not to sabotage democracy as they debate the controversial assisted dying legislation. The 85-year-old former broadcaster, who is terminally ill with cancer, spoke out ahead of the second of at least four days of committee stage scrutiny for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Record Number of Amendments Threatens Bill
In a recorded conversation with her daughter Rebecca Wilcox, Dame Esther acknowledged understanding opposing viewpoints while making her passionate case. Over 1,000 amendments have been proposed by the Lords - the highest number ever tabled for a piece of backbench legislation, putting the bill at serious risk of not becoming law.
The Childline founder stated: "I absolutely understand your viewpoint. I think you should have the choice. But don't tell me that 900-plus amendments is about getting it right. What I'm saying to you is: don't try and sabotage democracy."
Dignity in Dying Campaign Gains Momentum
Dame Esther, a high-profile campaigner for the bill who has labelled the current law as cruel, emphasised the fundamental right to choice. She pleaded with peers to "give us all the choice that you would want yourself. And then we can die in dignity, pain-free, and leave our families and our loved ones with happy memories. That's all we ask."
The organisation Dignity in Dying has warned that "the risk of deliberate time-wasting is clear and profoundly unfair," echoing concerns raised during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
Balancing Compassion and Safeguards
The debate has seen significant opposition, including from actress Sophie Turner, who warned about potential risks to people with eating disorders. The former Game of Thrones star, who has spoken about her own battle with an eating disorder, was among signatories to a letter urging peers to ensure the legislation "does not end the lives of those who could still recover."
In response, Lord Charlie Falconer, who is guiding the bill through the Lords, committed to strengthening safeguards. He stated: "I will strengthen by proposing a further amendment which will prevent access to an assisted death to any person who has six months or less to live as a result of not eating or drinking because of a mental disorder."
The proposed legislation would permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to request an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel comprising a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
The bill faces a race against time, requiring approval from both the Commons and House of Lords before spring when the current parliamentary session concludes. With Sir Keir Starmer confirming the Government's neutral stance, describing it as "a matter of conscience," the outcome remains uncertain as peers continue their detailed scrutiny of this landmark legislation.
