Our latest report looks at assisted dying systems in Australia, in different states and territories. To understand exactly how they work, we spoke to a mix of people, whether they were loved ones who have seen the system firsthand, GPs who help people through the process on a regular basis, or politicians who have helped to implement the system. All of them told us the same thing: that in Australia the system is well safeguarded, they have not seen cases of coercion, and it offers real dignity and choice to people at the end of life.

These systems work properly, and the safeguards are enormous. Everything from two doctors checks to written declarations to ensure that people actually want to go through with the process. And there are other things too, like the statewide care navigator service and the pharmacy service, both of which also check to make sure people would like to go through with it. There are a huge number of checks, more than in most areas of healthcare and end-of-life care. In fact, probably far more than in any of those.

The checks are there, the safeguards are there, and we know what it offers people. I have spoken to too many people now who have understood that this system for them means dignity and choice. I have spoken to so many people who have lost loved ones who are thankful that the system was there when they needed it. And they want the same for us in the UK. Many of them have experienced both systems; they have seen the UK and they have seen Australia. And they also think that it works, and it can be done in the UK as well.

So it is time to make sure we learn the lessons of Australia.