Esther Rantzen urges MPs to support assisted dying as polls show strong public backing

Dame Esther Rantzen has urged MPs to support assisted dying legislation after recent polls showed strong public backing. A survey by the Express found 68% of respondents support the proposed law, with similar results from YouGov and other organizations. Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, emphasized the need for change in the current law, which she described as "cruel." She highlighted that 62% of people would want the option to receive life-ending medication from a doctor if terminally ill. The upcoming vote on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Bill is seen as a significant opportunity for reform. Previous attempts to legalize assisted dying have failed, but public support has remained high, with polls indicating a consistent majority in favor.