Isle of Man Politician Demands Answers Over Assisted Dying Law Delay
The Isle of Man politician who spearheaded the island's groundbreaking assisted dying legislation has formally requested an urgent meeting with Justice Secretary David Lammy, expressing deep concern over what he describes as an "apparent delay" in granting royal assent to the historic Bill.
Dr Alex Allinson, a GP and Member of the House of Keys who introduced the private member's bill in 2022, has written directly to Mr Lammy seeking personal assurances about the progress of the legislation, which was passed by the Isle of Man Tynwald in March 2025.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
In his letter to the Justice Secretary, Dr Allinson stated he wanted "personal assurance that the rate of progress for assent is neither anomalous nor been subject to any artificial impediment." He emphasised the importance of the constitutional relationship between the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man, expressing concern that the delay might bring this relationship into question.
The Isle of Man made history by becoming the first parliament in the British Isles to pass assisted dying legislation. However, as a Crown Dependency, the island's primary legislation requires royal assent to formally become law, with the Lord Chancellor – currently David Lammy – responsible for making the necessary recommendation.
Extensive Correspondence Revealed
Freedom of Information requests have revealed extensive correspondence between the Ministry of Justice and the Isle of Man Government regarding the Assisted Dying Bill. Between March 2025, when the legislation was passed, and early December, the Ministry wrote to the island's government twelve times about the Bill.
Requests for information about the content of correspondence sent between October and December were declined by authorities, who cited concerns about breaching confidentiality and potentially damaging the Government's relationship with the Isle of Man and other Crown Dependencies.
Legislation Details and Implementation Timeline
The Isle of Man's assisted dying legislation contains several key provisions designed to prevent abuse:
- Only adults resident on the island for at least five years qualify
- Applicants must have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of no more than twelve months
- Individuals must demonstrate a settled intention to end their life
- Doctors retain the right to opt out of providing the service
Dr Allinson confirmed he has "worked with staff from our Attorney General's Chambers to address questions regarding training, guidance and the post-death review process" but stated he was "not aware of any further areas which required clarification."
Opposition and Legal Concerns
Campaign groups opposed to assisted dying legislation have raised significant concerns about the Isle of Man Bill. Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, wrote to the previous justice secretary expressing worries that the legislation might impact UK residents and potentially breach articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Opponents argue that legalising assisted dying could place vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives, particularly those who are disabled, elderly, sick, or suffering from depression, fearing they might become a burden on others.
Government Response and Future Timeline
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson previously explained that the time taken to process Crown Dependency legislation "depends on the complexities and sensitivities of a Bill, as well as any legal and constitutional issues."
Once royal assent is eventually granted, experts estimate that implementing an assisted dying service on the Isle of Man could take between eighteen months and two years to establish fully. The delay in granting assent has therefore raised concerns about further postponing access to this service for terminally ill residents who might benefit from the legislation.
Dr Allinson's request for a meeting with Justice Secretary Lammy represents growing frustration among Isle of Man politicians and community members about the pace of progress, with nearly a year having passed since the historic legislation was approved by their parliament.
