THE Labour MP behind historic proposals to legalise assisted suicide told colleagues they have a duty to fix things that are not right.
Kim Leadbeater said even with the best palliative care, people were going through drawn-out deaths or were taking their own lives because their needs cannot be met.
She spoke about vulnerable people being interrogated by police after a loved one had taken their own life as she explained how current laws are not fit for purpose.
Keir Starmer suggested he is yet to make up his mind on whether he will vote to change the law on assisted suicide.
Ms Leadbeater said: "We've got people who are having harrowing, horrible deaths because even with the very best palliative care, their needs cannot be met. We've also got people who are taking their own lives in really tragic circumstances.
"That can't be right and I think we have a duty as legislators to fix that situation."
Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Ms Leadbeater emphasised that her bill has strict provisions to allow mentally competent terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to end their lives.
Campaigners against assisted dying have raised fears of coercion and a slippery slope to legislation taking in more people.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KELLY CATES EXCLUSIVE When Dad's at home and gets worked up about what someone says... he will text me live on air
SIR KENNY DALGLISH becomes so riled by the opinions of pundits, he will text his presenter daughter while she's on air.
MOTD THE OLD DOO NEEDS SOME NEW TRICKS
Don't just put on a sub for Lineker... TV coverage of football has moved on...the show needs a whole tactical rethink
THE SPECIAL 2.0
Petit reckons Amorim can be as big a hit in Premier League as Jose and sweep United to glory
BOKS CLEVER
Reinach: Rassie's attention to detail gets us over finishing line
That's yer plot
Channel 5 ditches The Wives, with plenty of business left unfinished
KEE TO SUCCESS
Loss-making UKA plans to cash in on fame of golden girl Hodgkinson and get its finances back on track
PM pledges to cut emissions by 81%
But Starmer rules out enforcing lifestyle changes
'Our friendship would enrage AI Fayed... and that's fantastic
Alleged victims form bond after speaking out
Sir Chris: There's a lot of life left to live
Cancer-hit Olympian speaks of future
Despots make a deal
Putin and Kim deal ratified as Ukraine attack is predicted