Dignitas sign-ups from Britain nearly double in a decade

THE number of British Dignitas members has soared by more than 80 per cent in the past decade.

The figure had risen from 821 in 2012 to 1,528 at the end of December, according to data from the not-for-profit group, which helps patients to die.

Thirty-three people from the UK had an assisted death at Dignitas in 2022, a rise from 23 people the previous year.

Campaigning organisation Dignity in Dying said the numbers are “evidence that the ban on assisted dying is failing British families”. Under the Suicide Act 1961, assisting someone to take their own life is an offence punishable with up to 14 years in prison.

In December, it was announced that the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee would hold an inquiry into the law on assisted dying.

Supporters of legalisation argue people should be able to help terminally ill loved ones who are experiencing great suffering to end their lives.

Dignity in Dying chief executive Sarah Wootton said: “It’s immoral that we are outsourcing compassion to Switzerland for the few that can afford it. A peaceful, dignified death on one’s own terms should not be behind a paywall.”