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Here are two true tales, one going back to 2005 and one that has just happened. The first is about my beloved mother, Jena, the second about a beloved friend. They may help you understand why I so unconditionally, absolutely back the latest assisted dying bill which will be voted on at the end of this month.

This private member’s bill was proposed by the deeply honourable MP Kim Leadbeater. Terminally ill Esther Rantzen, the TV presenter turned campaigner for the rights of children and old people, has persuaded many that we need the law and we need it now. After so many years of dashed hopes, these two women were cutting through to the public.

But in the last few weeks, opponents have come back with objections – some really very iniquitous, in my view. Leadbeater has been assiduous in her bill: immense care has been taken to safeguard the vulnerable, and the criteria for a legal assisted death is very strict. (Too strict perhaps.)

Several parliamentarians claim that not enough time has been set aside for proper scrutiny. Simultaneously, various interest groups, religious naysayers and adamant pro-lifers are whipping up a storm about the possible pressures that could be put on those who are very old or very sick. Christian Action Research and Education, for example, states “no number of safeguards can remove the threat of patient coercion, and citizens choosing assisted suicide because they feel like a burden or lack health, social care, or welfare support.” In other words, assisted suicide is always wrong and immoral. These objectors must not be allowed to prevail.

Back to my mum and mate, who typify the emotional cost of making people live when they........

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