A minister is among the Tory MPs calling for a fresh debate on assisted dying before the general election this year.

       Transport minister Guy Opperman said he believes there may be time for a discussion in the Commons on the issue before Britain’s vote in national polls.

       Conservative MPs Matt Warman, Andrew Mitchell, Paul Scully, Chloe Smith and peer Lord Goldsmith have also backed a debate.

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       Mr Opperman said: “In 2011 I had a brain tumour, and many of the people in my ward didn’t make it. It changed my mind completely as to how it is I wish to end my life.

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       “In my view the unanswerable argument is this: I could spend ￡10,000 and go to Dignitas in Switzerland and end my life. The bloke at 43 Acacia Avenue can’t afford that.

       “It’s one rule for the rich and one rule for the poor - it’s totally wrong.”

       Dame Esther Rantzen's, who has stage 4 lung cancer, is campaigning with this newspaper for rights that would allow the terminally ill and seriously sick to choose how and when to die under our Give Us Our Last Rights crusade.

       Former Cabinet minister Chloe Smith said: “We should have a thorough and fresh debate on this, especially as other places have increasingly got experience to share of how assisted dying laws can work well.

       Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backs free vote for assisted dying in Parliament (Image: Getty)

       “There is clear public support and I hope the next generation of MPs will reflect that and act.”

       Sir Keir Starmer insisted last week he would support a change in the law on assisted dying by making it a free vote for MPs if he becomes Prime Minister.

       The Labour leader said he was an “advocate” for reform and warned the current law was not working.

       Tory MP Andrew Mitchell, the former co-chair of Dignity in Dying before he returned to government, said: “It is right that Parliament should discuss whether the time has come to change the law.

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       “It is not a party political issue but an issue of conscience where each of us would decide what is in the best interests of those we represent.

       “All around the world democratic societies are recognising that people should have agency over these decisions.

       “Both sides in this debate believe passionately in improving palliative care but the fact remains that some people who would wish to choose otherwise end their lives in pain and indignity “

       The Express has received dozens of messages of support from those suffering in silence, grateful we are championing a cause ignored by politicians but considered vital to so many.

       The correspondence singled out Dame Esther, 83 - who set up the charity Childline to protect children in 1986, and The Silver Line to comfort lonely older people in 2013 - for leading the way.

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       Paul Scully MP said: “I understand why assisted dying is something many people want to file away as too difficult to tackle but we just have to look at this again. People should have a greater say, with robust safeguards in place, in their own final days, and their loved ones should not face court for even the most minor of assistance as risks happening at the moment.”

       Claire Macdonald, director of My Death, My Decision said Mr Sunak should join other senior Tories in calling for a “meaningful debate vote” on assisted dying.

       Matt Warman MP said: “It’s high time all political parties agreed parliament should look at fixing the law on helping people to end their lives when they face otherwise unavoidably awful deaths.

       “The public say repeatedly that the legislation is wrong on this, and only the wealthy can afford the tragic luxury of Dignitas.

       “Those who argue this is a slippery slope should bear in mind that other countries have tackled this matter already, and it is always parliament’s job to decide where the country stands on difficult issues - as things are today, the law is simply in the wrong place.

       Tory peer Lord Goldsmith said: “Assisted Dying is an issue of values, and so laws relating to it should be aligned with the broadest views of the people.

       “There’s no doubt that means changing current policy and building in safeguards against abuse. There’s no reason at all why that can’t be done.

       “No one can fail to have been deeply moved by Esther’s pleas, and although she shouldn’t have to spend her final days campaigning, I and many others are grateful to her for doing so.”

       Related articles Daily Express and Dame Esther Rantzen call for assisted dying law change We might dread it, but we need to talk more about death, says James Whale We are far too ready to shy away from the taboo subject of death Dame Joan Ruddock admits considering assisting husband's death Keir Starmer insists he will help MPs change law on assisted dying