Two of Britain’s most admired actors, Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, have spoken out in support of the right to choose an assisted death.
In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, the stars of The Thursday Murder Club shared their heartfelt views on assisted dying, drawing on personal experiences of seeing loved ones suffer.
“I absolutely believe in assisted dying,” said Helen Mirren.
“So do I,” added Pierce Brosnan. “I’ve watched the suffering of dear ones. I think when my time comes, I’d like to be able to have the choice to say: ‘Okay, let’s have that cup of tea and say goodbye.’”
Mirren agreed: “Yes, in a warm and loving way. I do absolutely believe in that.”
Their comments echo the views of the overwhelming majority of the British public, who consistently say in polls that they support a change in the law to allow assisted dying.
Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, says:
“It’s powerful to see cultural icons like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan adding their voices to this cause. They reflect what so many families across the UK feel – that compassion, dignity, and choice should guide our laws at the end of life. We want to thank them for their support on this important issue. ”
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, currently in the House of Lords, would legalise assisted dying for adults with six months left to live or fewer, subject to safeguards and a lengthy process. The next debate in the House of Lords, called Second Reading, will be Friday 12 September.
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.(media enquiries only)
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
