BBC's Amol Rajan asks 'Is Dame Esther Rantzen with us' in interview

Posted: 12:11 BST on October 4, 2024 | Revised: 14:02 BST on October 4, 2024

Amol Rajan issued an on-air apology today during a live interview with Dame Esther Rantzen, as they encountered technical difficulties with the phone connection.

In an awkward mistake, the host of the Today show inquired if Dame Rantzen, who is facing terminal cancer, was 'with us' during the moment of silence on Radio 4.

Dame Esther chuckled at the mistake and replied, "I certainly hope so—I'm doing my utmost."

The founder of Childline was on the radio to talk about the recent announcement that parliament will consider the issue of assisted dying, a cause that Dame Esther has been advocating for a long time.

When Dame Esther responded, Mr. Rajan quickly recognized his mistake and chuckled while he apologized.

"That was likely the worst question I’ve ever posed," he admitted. "What I actually wanted to know was if the line is functioning, and it obviously is. I should have probably begun by asking how you're doing."

This morning, during a somewhat uncomfortable moment, Amol Rajan from BBC Radio 4 inquired whether Dame Esther Rantzen, who is facing terminal cancer, was still able to participate, as they encountered some technical difficulties during their phone conversation.

Dame Esther humorously replied to the 'sloppy' question after a brief pause, saying, "I certainly hope so."

The founder of Childline recently appeared on the radio to talk about a bill introduced in Parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. This legislation would permit assisted dying, a cause that Dame Esther has been advocating for over a considerable period of time.

Dame Esther has talked about the matter before, sharing her own experience with stage four lung cancer.

She shared with the BBC host how thrilled she was to learn that she has lived long enough to witness the issue being addressed in parliament.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced a Private Member's Bill aimed at providing individuals with 'options at the end of life' on October 16. Downing Street has signaled that it will not stand in the way of this bill's advancement.

The MP for Spen Valley called for a discussion that is sincere, understanding, and considerate when her proposed legislation is reviewed in the House of Commons.

Her suggestion would enable qualified adults to choose to end their lives while also providing enhanced safeguards for them and their families in the time that follows.

Dame Esther expressed her excitement and gratitude last night in response to the news. She mentioned that it could give terminally ill individuals like herself the hope and assurance that they might experience a peaceful death.

She expressed, "I never imagined I would witness the change of this harsh law during my lifetime."

"Though it may be too late for me, I’m aware that many terminally ill patients and their families will find renewed hope."

Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer mentioned that he promised Dame Esther he would introduce a private member's bill regarding the matter.

The Prime Minister stated: "I want to reiterate that promise. I made it directly to her, and I truly meant it, and we will follow through."

Ms. Leadbeater stated that Parliament should now look into changing the law to provide comfort and support, and above all, to ensure dignity and options for individuals in the final months of their lives.

I think that if we have appropriate measures and protections established, individuals who are nearing the end of their lives and are mentally capable should have the option to choose a quicker, less painful death. They should be able to make this choice on their own terms, without putting their family and loved ones in danger of legal consequences.

This will mark the first occasion that the issue is discussed in the House of Commons since 2015, when a proposal for assisted dying was rejected.