stages

But supporters point out the majority of 55 in favour at the last vote was more than they expected and meant they were confident the bill would pass its remaining stages in Parliament.

Are they now on the brink of the knockout stages?

Last month, MPs approved the first stages of a bill to allow terminally ill adults to seek help to end their life if they are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.

The approach is still in the preliminary stages and it is not certain that talks will lead to a deal, according to Bloomberg.

"The thing about bowel cancer is that when it's diagnosed at its earlier stages it is treatable and curable and most people will survive that diagnosis - so it could be life-saving."