Dame Esther Rantzen has been criticised by MPs for claiming that they oppose plans to legalise assisted dying because they have 'undeclared religious beliefs'.
The terminally ill television presenter and campaigner made the comments in a letter to politicians ahead of a debate on the legislation in Parliament today.
She said that because of these believes 'no precautions would satisfy them' enough to support allowing people to seek help to end their own lives.
However, her suggestion sparked a furious response from MPs opposed to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Labour's Jess Asato asked the bill sponsor Kim Leadbeater to distance herself from the remarks, adding: 'Many colleagues found this distasteful and disrespectful.'
