Kim Leadbeater shares how man 'basically starved to death' in historic assisted dying debate

For the first time since 2015, MPs have begun their debate on whether to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, as heartbreaking stories of terminally ill people who have suffered horrific deaths are shared in the Commons.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, proposed by Spen Valley Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, would give eligible adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live the choice to have an assisted death. Depending on how MPs vote today, the change in law could be brought one step closer.

The Bill has divided opinion among the public and MPs, with arguments for, saying that a change in legislation would “reduce human suffering and injustice”, while those against argue it could result in “coercion and mistakes”.

READ MORE: POLL: Should terminally ill people be given the choice to end their life?

Opening the debate, Ms Leadbeater told MPs "it is our job to address complex issues and make difficult decisions”. She added: "I have tried incredibly hard to ensure that the tone of the debate has and continues to be robust, of course, but most importantly respectful and compassionate."

She proceeded to tell devastating accounts of terminally ill people who have suffered excruciating deaths, with one constituent said to have “basically starved to death” after battling pancreatic cancer. Another, Tom, a 47-year-old dad and music teacher, vomited faecal matter for five hours, ultimately choking to death after inhaling faeces.

Today marks the second reading of the Bill and five hours have been allocated for a debate, with a vote to be taken by 2.30pm. MPs will be taking a free vote, meaning they won’t be following a party line.

The vote is expected to be close, though Ms Leadbeater said she is hopeful this “major social reform” will pass this first stage in the process of becoming law. If it does pass, there will be further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meaning any change in the law would not be agreed until next year at the earliest.

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