Welcome to Hard Talk from the BBC World Service with me, Stephen Sackett. My guest in this interview

recorded on the 27th of November was just seven years old when her life trajectory was radically

and forever changed by illness. Liz Carr had a congenital autoimmune condition which

heavily restricted the development of her muscles and joints.

Soon she needed a wheelchair and the help of carers to complete basic tasks.

It took time to adapt to this new reality, but adapt she did.

She became a vocal campaigner for disability rights and a performer who won plaudits for her stand-up comedy

before landing a string of high-profile acting roles, notably in the TV hit series Silent Witness

and the powerful stage play about HIV AIDS, the normal heart. Thanks to her success, she now has a powerful platform to air her strong views

on a hugely important and divisive, ethical, political debate now unfolding in the British Parliament.

Is it time for England and Wales to follow the lead of a host of European nations, Canada, New Zealand,

some American states, and legalize

assisted dying. The proposal before British parliamentarians comes with heavy restrictions. Only those

likely to die within six months would qualify. Two doctors and a judge would be involved in the

process of approval. Nonetheless, Liz Carr thinks the legislation,

if passed, would set a dangerous precedent and create new uncertainty for the disabled and the most

vulnerable in society. Is this focus on a, quote, good death detracting from the right to a good

life? Well, Liz Carr joins me now. Welcome to Hard Talk.

Thank you. I've been kind of looking forward to this. Well, let's see if you feel that way in 25 minutes time.

Okay, yes, let's see. You have faced enormous health challenges in your life, but you sit here as a successful stand-up comedian,

a very successful actor. And I just wonder if that reflects on a sort of innate positivity

in your nature. Oh, no, not at all. I'm deeply bleak. I think when I was about 13, my consultant said to me, you won't live to be old.

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