British citizens are more than twice as likely to support assisted dying than to oppose it, according to research by the Savanta Knowledge Centre.

Of the general public, 48 per cent are in favour of legalising assisted dying, with 21 per cent saying they oppose the idea.

A fifth of the population 22 per cent neither support nor oppose the idea, with only 8 per cent saying they are unsure.

Unusually, there is support for the issue across the political spectrum. The study found that the party with the greatest support for assisted dying is Reform, with 61 per cent of its voters backing it.

Half of Labour voters support the motion, with 54 per cent of Conservatives, and 58 per cent of Liberal Democrats also in favour of legalising assisted dying.

There is also a generational divide over assisted dying, with just over a third of 18-34 year olds in favour it, compared to 60 per cent of over 55s.

Yet Christian organisations have expressed concern that a right to die a 'right to die' could turn into a 'duty to die'.

James Mildred, from the Christian organisation CARE, told Premier Christian Radio:  

“Whenever a country decides to legalise assisted suicide, it creates a pressure. That pressure falls on the most vulnerable in society, such as people who are living with disabilities.”

Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta said: “Our research suggests significant support among the British public for the principle of assisted dying.

“Clearly many people's views will be impacted by the safeguards and regulation agreed, if assisted dying is debated and passed."