Delay blow on vote for new assisted dying law

SIR Keir Starmer has "doubled down" on his pledge to hold an assisted dying vote - but suggested the law will not change for at least 18 months.

- Sam Lister and Hanna Geissler

The Prime Minister had promised Dame Esther Rantzen that he would ensure the topic was thoroughly examined in Parliament if he won the election.

The pair spoke after the Childline founder, 83, revealed her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis and decision to register with Dignitas in Zurich.

During his trip to the US for the Nato summit, Sir Keir insisted the issue remained on his agenda.

However, he suggested there were other priorities for his first year in the job.