Keir Starmer Promises to Legalize Assisted Dying: What This Means for Dame Esther Rantzen?
SIR Keir Starmer has promised cancer-stricken TV legend Dame Esther Rantzen he will allow a vote on assisted dying if Labour wins power.
He told the veteran broadcaster, 83, he is “personally in favour of changing the law”.
Support for Legalizing Assisted Dying
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Credit: PA
Esther Rantzen’s Battle with Cancer
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Credit: Rex
Dame Esther was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer last year.
She has since revealed she has joined the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.
Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Debate
In a phone call filmed by ITV News, the Labour leader told her he would allow MPs time to debate a law change if he becomes PM.
He added: “Esther, I can give you that commitment right now.”
He said he would “definitely” like a vote on it within five years after the election as “delay just prolongs the agony”.
Parliament’s Role in the Debate
Downing Street said it would be up to Parliament whether or not to debate the issue.
Esther revealed in December that she does not know how long she has left – and is waiting for a scan to find out.
Uncertainty and Gratitude
Speaking on the Today programme’s podcast, Esther said: “I didn’t think I would make it to my birthday.”
“I definitely didn’t think I’d make it to this Christmas, which I am, it appears.”
“Anything can happen. I live in a forest, a tree can fall on me.”
“I’ve got to drop off my perch for some reason, and I’m 83 damn it.”
“I should be jolly grateful and indeed am.”
Esther found a lump in her armpit after feeling tired throughout Christmas 2022.