The pros and cons of assisted dying will be debated by humanists and disabled people in Richmond next week.

The event is being held by South West London Humanists, in the Vestry Hall in Paradise Road on Tuesday, May 1.

Speakers are Lucy Aliband from “Dignity in Dying” (which campaigns for a change in the law to allow assisted dying for the terminally ill) and Juliet Marlow from “Not Dead Yet UK” (which campaigns against).

After the event, which starts at 7.30pm, there will be further opportunity for discussion.

Chair of South West London Humanists, Jeremy Rodell, said: “Two important legal developments are coming up on this important topic, so we thought it was time for a local discussion to air both sides, and help people make up their own minds.

"We will have a speaker from “Dignity in Dying” who is disabled as a result of a car accident.

"She says she has no intention of dying just yet, but wants to know that, if she becomes terminally ill, she has a way to avoid pointlessly suffering more pain.

"We also hope to have a speaker from “Not Dead Yet”, a group of disabled people who are opposed to assisted dying.”

South West London Humanists holds monthly meetings at the Vestry Hall, Paradise Road Richmond at 8pm on the first Tuesday of the month, with other regular events in Twickenham and Kingston.

The group brings together non-religious people who are interested in developing their own views and understanding on a wide range of topics.

More details at www.swlhumanists.org.uk