Dame Prue Leith's Death Wish

At the Hay Literary Festival, renowned cook and writer Dame Prue Leith, 86, revealed her wish to plan her own death, emphasizing that most people would prefer to die peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at a time and place of their choosing.

Legal Hurdles in the UK

Dame Prue noted the difficulty in achieving this wish due to current UK laws. While suicide itself is not a crime, it is illegal to receive help to end one's life, creating a challenging situation for those seeking a controlled and dignified end.

Dame Prue's Campaign for Assisted Dying

As a long-time campaigner for assisted dying laws, Dame Prue mentioned that one of her favorite books discusses various methods of suicide and euthanasia, outlining risks, legality, and practical aspects. She bought this book for her husband on eBay .

Contrasting Views: Dame Prue vs. Her Son

Her advocacy for assisted dying contrasts sharply with the stance of her son, Reform MP Danny Kruger, who opposes such legislation. This family difference highlights the broader societal debate on the issue.

Historical Medical Practices

Reflecting on past medical practices, Leith recalled that terminally ill patients were often given excess morphine by doctors, leading to a coma and death-an informal assisted death. She noted that while this may not have been legal then either, it was commonly accepted.

Her comments follow an article she wrote for The Mail on Sunday, where she admitted that thoughts of death cross her mind several times a day.. she fears enduring a prolonged and painful death like her brother David, who suffered from bone cancer, and wants to spare her family the trauma of watching her die slowly.