MP Owen Paterson to lead discussion over stopping 'dangerous' suicide websites

Mr Paterson, whose wife Rose took her own life last year after looking at such sites, was chairing the round-table discussion.

Mrs Paterson was chair of Aintree Racecourse, a mother, grandmother and a charity stalwart. Following her death, North Shropshire MP Mr Paterson set up the Rose Paterson Trust, a charity to support organisations and individuals aiming to tackle suicide.

He has spoken to a number of senior officials including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and discussions will centre around how a new bill can stop these websites disseminating harmful messages to vulnerable people.

It comes as the Government publishes the Online Safety Bill, a set of legislation to protect and safeguard children on the web as well as clamp down on financial fraud and uphold democratic debate online.

Speaking about suicide websites on BBC News to Victoria Derbyshire this morning, Mr Paterson said: "I only learnt about them when the police told me my wife had been looking at them two weeks before she took her own life.

"I hope this bill gives us the opportunity to rapidly react as technology evolves.

'Please talk to someone'

"I had no idea they (the websites) existed, and a lot of senior people I have spoken to had no idea either."

He explained that messages on the websites make out that suicide is a "sensible and rational" option.

"I think that is a beguiling and extraordinary message for someone who is vulnerable," he said.

"Within minutes you can be looking at very dangerous material indeed, and tens of thousands of others are doing the same."

Asked if his wife may not have taken her life if she hadn't looked at such websites, Mr Paterson said: "We'll never know. It definitely facilitated the final act."

Addressing people who may be feeling suicidal, he said: "Please talk to someone. I'm constantly saying this. Talk to a friend, a relative, a teacher, a doctor. But please don't look at these websites."

On Mrs Paterson's death, he added: "It has had a devastating effect. It has changed our lives forever. We will probably never recover. We are coming up to the anniversary and time has not healed at all."

If you have been affected by this article contact Samaritans on 116 123 or at samaritans.org