Under the proposed legislation, only those over 18 years old in England and Wales and who are expected to die within six months can request assisted dying. They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and will be required to make two separate declarations about their wish to die.

We believe that a truly compassionate response to the end of life lies in the provision of high-quality palliative care services to all who need them.”

The private members bill put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will be the subject of a five-hour debate starting at 9.30am on Friday