ST ALBANS MP Kerry Pollard has spoken on national television of his fear that the euthenasia floodgates may be opened following the controversial case of Diane Pretty.

Mr Pollard, secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, fears a precedent may be set after Mrs Pretty won the right to take her case to the High Court.

The motor neurone sufferer hopes to convince judges that her husband should be allowed to assist her suicide without facing the risk of criminal prosecution by the courts.

However, Mr Pollard argued on Channel 4 News on Friday, August 31, that any change in the law should only be made after a full and thorough discussion by Parliament.

He said: "I come from the viewpoint that I don't like case law being set by one person going to court.

"These laws should start in Parliament after an informed debate so people know exactly where they stand, not by a single judge."

Mr Pollard, an outspoken campaigner against euthanasia, fears the Diane Pretty case could signal the start of a "slippery slope" with other terminally ill people appealing to the High Court for the right to die.

He said: "I had a close friend with the disease and know how distressing it is, but I believe a debate and any change in the law should come through the parliamentary system."