The UK public is more than twice as likely to support assisted dying than oppose it, a poll has found.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly half (48 per cent) support assisted dying, which is more than double the proportion against it (21 per cent).
Support cuts across party lines, with Conservatives showing the strongest backing among major parties at 54 per cent.
Labour voters are not far behind at 50 per cent, while Lib Dem supporters are even more in favour at 58 per cent. Reform UK voters top the list with 61 per cent approval.
The poll was carried out by Savanta from September 28 to 30, with findings released on Friday.
The Labour MP Kim Leadbeater said she hoped for "honest, compassionate and respectful debate" when her bill, which will be tabled on October 16, is considered in the Commons.
The measure would have to be approved by MPs and peers and could become law in England and Wales next year. Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man are also considering changes to their respective laws on assisted dying.
The broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen said she was "thrilled and grateful" about the news. She said it could mean that "terminally ill people like me can look forward with hope and confidence that we could have a good death".
"I never thought I might live to see the current cruel law change.
"But even if it is too late for me, I know thousands of terminally ill patients and their families will be given new hope. All we ask is to be given the choice over our own lives."
Dame Esther, who revealed in December that she has joined the Swiss Dignitas clinic as she lives with terminal cancer, had spoken out recently to call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to follow through on his pledge to make time in Parliament for a debate and free vote on assisted dying.
The Childline founder, who has spoken about the fears she would have for the potential criminal repercussions her family could face if they travelled with her to Dignitas, described the current law as a “cruel mess”.
Assisting someone to end their life is against the law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and while it is not a specific criminal offence in Scotland, assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to being charged with murder or other offences.
A Bill is currently being considered at Holyrood that, if passed, would give terminally ill adults in Scotland the right to request help to end their life.
Ms Leadbeater’s Bill would cover England and Wales only.
Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer of Thoroton has introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in the House of Lords, which is expected to be debated in mid-November.
The peer said he looks forward to “working with Kim and colleagues across both Houses to ensure that a safe, compassionate assisted dying law is passed”.
In a letter to ministers, Cabinet Secretary Simon Case said: “As is long-standing convention for such issues of conscience, the Prime Minister has decided to set aside collective responsibility on the merits of this Bill and any others covering the same subject matter. That means that ministers can vote, or not, however they wish.
“The Government will therefore remain neutral on the passage of the Bill and on the matter of assisted dying.
“Though ministers need not resile from previously stated views when directly asked about them, they should exercise discretion and should not take part in the public debate.”
