An independent commission should be set up to help advise MPs on assisted suicide, the Government has been told.

Bradford MS sufferer Debbie Purdy won her seven-year legal battle earlier this year after five Law Lords unanimously backed her call for a policy statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, on the circumstances in which a person might face prosecution for helping a loved one end their life abroad.

Lord Warner last night told peers that despite the report being carried out by the DPP, the issue would undoubtedly have to return to Parliament again to be debated.

He said: “Despite the humane efforts by the Law Lords and the DPP to clarify the situation, it is inevitable that Parliament will have to come back to this. Progress in Parliament on assisted dying may be improved if there were an independent commission set up to help Parliament in its deliberations.”

Miss Purdy, 46, of Undercliffe, welcomed the “sensible” call and said an open debate would allow fears to be waylaid and explored. She told the Telegraph & Argus: “MPs cannot continue to run behind the public on this issue, both in terms of the desire to change the law but also the confidence and bravery of others talking about it.

“It is ridiculous that the unelected House is the one which has the courage to fight and raise the issue.

“Lord Warner is brilliant for raising this. An independent commission would give MPs the information they need.”