Three quarters of Brits think euthanasia should be legalised, a survey has revealed.

The study found that there is overwhelming public support for a law allowing medically assisted dying for the terminally ill.

The poll, conducted by YouGov, found that 56% of people felt that those with non-terminal but incurable illness should also be allowed medical assistance to die upon request.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity In Dying, which campaigns for greater patient choice at the end of life, said: "This survey shows the majority of the public recognises the right to die as a fundamental choice at the end of life.

"It is common sense that people who are terminally ill, mentally competent and suffering unbearably should be allowed the option of medically assisted dying.

"There are instances where palliative care, regardless of high standards, is not enough to alleviate the constant suffering and loss of dignity that some terminally ill people endure in the final stages of their illnesses."

She added: "The law must change to allow people this choice."

Many countries have legalised some form of assisted dying.

The survey coincides with the publication of a book by Baroness Mary Warnock and Dr Elisabeth Macdonald examining the ethical, medical and philosophical arguments surrounding the issue.