A PENSIONERS' lobby group in York has called for a “full and frank debate” on issues around euthanasia and assisted suicide, as a controversial campaigner prepares to come to the city.

As reported in The Press on Friday, Australian Dr Philip Nitschke is to hold a seminar in the city centre next month, including advice for elderly or terminally ill people who want to commit suicide.

The news drew criticism from York vicar Father Tim Jones as well as Age Concern York’s Sally Hutchinson, but was welcomed by Joyce Pickard of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society and defended by York Council for Voluntary Service, which will host the event at the Priory Street Centre.

Older Citizens Advocvacy York (OCAY) has now called for an informed debate, at which opponents and proponents of euthanasia can have their say. Bob Towner, speaking on behalf of OCAY, said he was not against the seminar and said he felt there was a need for a “full and frank debate about the issue with both people for an against euthanasia to speak out about it”.

He said: “I hope York is open to that kind of debate. I appreciate that at the present time it is against the law for others to assist in suicide. It seems to me that individuals cannot make that decision for themselves.

“We are an open minded organisation and I certainly don't think we should close our minds to practices.”

Dr Nitschke, known in his native country as “Dr Death” founded the right-to-die organisation Exit International and campaigned successfully for a euthanasia law to be passed in Australia’s Northern Territory in 1996.

He helped four patients die, before the law was overturned.

He had planned to visit Britain in 2008, but had to abandon the plans after an angry backlash in Bournemouth, where he was due to visit.