A deeply divisive vote to legalise assisted dying could be held within weeks after Sir Keir Starmer backed plans to fast-track it through the Commons, The Mail on Sunday understands.
The Prime Minister is privately paving the way for a vote before Christmas – much sooner than expected – which could usher in one of the greatest social changes in the UK since the Abortion Act 1967.
A law to allow terminally-ill adults with a life expectancy of less than six months to end their lives with medical help would spark an intense moral debate over the sanctity of human life and the risks of the legislation being abused. Sir Keirs own Justice Secretary has warned that it could prove to be a mandate for granny killers.
After broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen this weekend appealed directly to Sir Keir to allow a vote, Labour sources said the wheels are turning to arrange one as soon as MPs return from the party conferences.
The PM – who has spoken movingly about the end-of-life struggles endured by his disabled mother – has previously told Childline founder Dame Esther: We need to make time. We will make the commitment.
The Prime Minister is privately paving the way for a vote before Christmas – much sooner than expected – which could usher in one of the greatest social changes in the UK since the Abortion Act 1967
An asssited dying machine. A law to allow terminally-ill adults with a life expectancy of less than six months to end their lives with medical help would spark an intense moral debate over the sanctity of human life and the risks of the legislation being abused
Until now, he had declined to set a timetable. However, this newspaper understands Sir Keir has decided to accelerate the process after Labour dominated the results of the annual Private Members Bill ballot for MPs to put forward their own legislation.
Labour backbencher Jake Richards, who came 11th in the ballot, has offered to put forward an assisted dying Bill.
But as he is too low in the list to guarantee a debate, Labour MPs higher up are being urged to take up the proposal.
Top of the ballot is Kim Leadbeater, who represents Spen Valley, with Norwich Souths Clive Lewis at No 4. Last night, one Labour MP on the list said he had been offered two extra staff members to help him draft a Bill if he proposed legalising assisted dying.
When the issue was last debated by the Commons in 2015, it was defeated on a free vote by 330 votes to 118. But it stands a greater chance of being passed now because of the influx of new Labour MPs, who are expected to back it, and the PMs support.
If passed, it would be the most significant legislation to effect social change since the 1960s, when Harold Wilsons Labour Government reformed laws on abortion, the death penalty and homosexuality.
Campaigners supporting assisted dying. When the issue was last debated by the Commons in 2015, it was defeated on a free vote by 330 votes to 118. But it stands a greater chance of being passed now because of the influx of new Labour MPs
Campaigners protest against assisted dying. Sir Keirs Cabinet is split on the issue. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said: I dont intend to support it
A Labour source said: The wheels are turning. It has been made clear to the MPs at the top of the ballot that the PM backs a change in the law.
However, Sir Keirs Cabinet is split on the issue. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said: I dont intend to support it... I know some MPs who support this issue think, For Gods sake, were not a nation of granny killers, whats wrong with you… [But] once you cross that line, youve crossed it forever. If it becomes the norm that at a certain age or with certain diseases, you are now a bit of a burden… thats a really dangerous position.
And Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared himself conflicted on the issue, citing the poor state of end-of-life care and warning that the right protections were needed to make sure people dont take their own life thinking they were a burden on others.
He explained he was deeply uncomfortable about the practical aspects of changing the law, saying: Candidly, when I think about this question of being a burden, I do not think that palliative care, end-of-life care in this country, is in a condition yet where we are giving people the freedom to choose, without being coerced by the lack of support available.
Assisting someone to end their life is currently a criminal offence. Any Commons legislation is likely to adopt a similar Bill which former Labour Justice Secretary Lord Falconer has introduced into the Lords. It would apply only to those mentally able to make the decision and their choice would need to be approved by two doctors and the High Court.
Sir Keir with his wife in Doncaster. Sir Keir has decided to accelerate the process after Labour dominated the results of the annual Private Members Bill ballot for MPs to put forward their own legislation
After broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen this weekend appealed directly to Sir Keir to allow a vote, Labour sources said the wheels are turning to arrange one as soon as MPs return from the party conferences
Dame Esthers appeal came as a majority of a so-called citizens jury said assisted dying should be allowed in England. The 84-year-old, who has terminal cancer, has joined the Swiss Dignitas clinic. She has called for proper time to discuss the issues, have the free vote and change this cruel law.
I call it cruel, because not only does it mean that Ive got to have a bad death, if thats what the cancer creates for me, but my family cant be with me if I decide to go to Dignitas. Otherwise they are liable to being accused of killing me... thats just messy and wrong and not what we want.
So, please Sir Keir... lets make time for this. It really is a matter of life and death.
Last night, the Dignity in Dying campaign said: The British people are demanding an assisted dying law... this is now an undeniable fact and one this new generation of MPs is keenly aware of. The time for change has clearly come.
A Government spokesman said: Successive governments have taken the view that any change to the law in this sensitive area is a matter for Parliament. This Government will not stand in the way of any debate and votes.