Sir Keir Starmer promises Dame Esther Lanzen a vote on euthanasia if he wins election

Sir Keir Starmer has promised Dame Esther Lanzen that he will allow a vote on euthanasia in the next parliament if he wins the next election.

The Labor leader made the pledge following a recent intervention from the broadcaster, who recently revealed She joined Dignitas Euthanasia clinics in Switzerland.

ITV News filmed the call between the pair, in which the Labor leader told the activist and TV presenter that a Labor government would allow MPs time to debate and vote on the law changes, which have become the subject of public scrutiny in recent weeks focus of attention.

Sir Keir told Dame Esther that he was “personally in favor of changing the law” – something he supported. It was revealed late last year.

“I think we need to make time,” he told her. “We will make a promise. Esther, I can give you that promise right now.”

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Assisting in death in Scotland, although not a specific criminal offence, may expose a person to murder or other charges.

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A bill to legalize assisted dying in Scotland is due to be tabled at Holyrood in the coming weeks.

Asked if he would be willing to hold a vote within five years of the general election, Sir Keir told ITV: “Oh, yes, of course.

“I think Esther would agree with that. For those who are going through this or may go through it in the coming months or years, this is so important and delaying it will only prolong the pain.”

Prior to this, Ms. Esther founded Childline and hosted the magazine show “That’s Life!”. for many years, told Sky News last month She was “disappointed” that the euthanasia report was not debated in Parliament.

The 83-year-old, who has stage 4 lung cancer, is fighting for the right to choose when to die for people with medical conditions who have a life expectancy of six months or less.

MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee concluded that the quality of palliative care has not declined in countries where assisted suicide is legal.

It also identified an “urgent need” to improve mental health support for people with terminal illness and said a “national strategy on death literacy and support following the diagnosis of terminal illness” should be developed.

It does not recommend MPs vote on the issue and warns the government must consider what to do if the law changes in parts of the UK, the Isle of Man or Jersey.

Sir Keir supported changing the law when the issue was last voted on in the House of Commons nine years ago, saying in December that a Private Members’ Bill and a free vote “seemed appropriate”.

The Labor leader acknowledged that “robust safeguards” must be put in place to protect vulnerable people, but said he believed the law should be changed.

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“I personally believe the law should be changed. There will be equally passionate people who will make strong arguments as to why it shouldn’t be changed,” he added.

“We have to respect that and ultimately find the right balance.”

Downing Street said it would be up to Parliament to decide whether to debate legalizing euthanasia.

A Number 10 spokesman said Rishi Sunak had been “touched by some of the experiences shared by people and families in this situation”.

She added: “It remains the case that this will be decided by Parliament and driven by the Government to implement it.”