A vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales is set to take place in weeks after a bill was brought forward.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has proposed the change in law.

As the MP for Spen Valley, she introduced a private members bill, which will be debated.

Private members’ bills - introduced by backbench MPs rather than the government - seldom become law, but there has been increasing momentum in support of legalising assisted dying.

A vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales is set to take place in weeks after a bill was brought forwardGetty

The legislation would give adults nearing the end of their lives the power to choose to shorten their deaths and gives stronger protections both for them and for those they leave behind.

At the moment, family and friends who help a person end their life could face up to 14 years in prison.

Leadbeater said: "I know that life is precious. But no two people’s lives are the same. What is in the best interests of one person may not be right for another.

"I believe that we should all have the right to a good life and, where possible, a good death.

"Which is why this Bill is about individual choice and autonomy, something everyone one of us deserves."