MORE than three quarters of people (77 per cent) in the North-East say they would back a law change in favour of an ‘opt out’ organ donation system, according to a survey by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Currently people have to actively opt in to become an organ donor, but a change in the law could mean they are automatically registered as a donor on their death, unless they have stated they wish to opt out.

On Friday MPs in the House of Commons will debate a Bill which could introduce a new opt out system.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the BHF, said: “There is a desperate shortage of organs in the UK and introducing an opt-out system in England will better reflect the views of the general public and give hope to those desperately waiting for a transplant.

“We are urging everyone to encourage their local MP to attend Parliament this Friday to debate a Bill that could save lives.”

In Yorkshire75 per cent of people surveyed were in favour of a law change.