Medical assistance in dying generally refers to a terminally ill person receiving life-threatening medications from a doctor, which they administer to themselves.

It is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Under the bill, adults who died within six months would be able to seek help to end their lives.

It would require two doctors and a High Court judge to agree on their eligibility.

Labor MP Kim Leadbeater, who initiated the bill, said it could prevent “distressing” deaths.

Dame Esther said she told Ms Leadbeater that the laws in force in the UK were “terrible” and “cruel” because they forced people to travel alone to Switzerland to die.

She said if her family went with her, they risked being prosecuted for assisting in her death.

“I would much rather be able to die in my own home, surrounded by people who are close to me,” she said.

“But I won’t be given that choice, because even if we get a ‘yes’ vote in this debate…you won’t be able to take the next step in less than a year.

“And my miracle drug works great, but I can’t expect it to keep me alive for a year.”