New guidance on the interpretation of the laws surrounding assisted suicide pose “serious dangers for public safety”, according to a group of influential lawyers, peers and former judges.

Baroness Butler-Sloss, the former head of the Family Division of the High Court, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, the former Lord Chancellor, and Lord Carlile of Berriew, the Government’s adviser on terrorism legislation, are among those who fear that the proposals will pressurise increasing numbers of the elderly and infirm into acting to end their lives.

Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, put forward new guidance in September after the Law Lords backed a demand by Debbie Purdy, a multiple sclerosis sufferer, for clarification on whether anyone assisting a suicide would face prosecution.

Mr Starmer’s guidelines, which are out for consultation, say that relatives will not be prosecuted as long as they do not “encourage” suicide and assist only a “clear and settled intention” to die.

However, the coalition said that it believed Mr Starmer’s guidance was “not fit for purpose”, posed “serious risks of misinterpretation” and would create “serious dangers for public safety”.

The group, which also includes Lord Walton of Detchant, Sheila Hollins, a former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, has thrown its weight behind a response to the proposals from the campaign group Care Not Killing.

Peter Saunders, CNK’s director, said: “The current law acts as a powerful deterrent against abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people and has been firmly upheld by Parliament.

“Removing these safeguards could lead to an increase in vulnerable and disabled people being pressured into ending their lives.”

Ms Purdy, of Bradford, took her case for clarification to the House of Lords after the High Court and the Court of Appeal held that it was for Parliament, not the courts, to change the law.

The Law Lords agreed that changes were a matter for Parliament but upheld Ms Purdy’s argument that the Director of Public Prosecutions should put in writing the factors that he regarded as relevant in deciding whether or not to prosecute.

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