Law change is coming in the UK and beyond

Progress on assisted dying from our closest neighbours is piling on the pressure for MPs in Westminster to act. Alongside Liam McArthur’s Bill moving forward in Scotland; Jersey and the Isle of Man have both begun to consult on assisted dying legislation. And just beyond the British Isles, the Republic of Ireland and France are both due to debate and seek views on assisted dying next year. Last week MPs and Lords had a chance to hear first-hand the important progress from these nations at our parliamentary group meeting. 

On the Isle of Man, a public consultation was launched this week, after Members of the House of Keys (MHKs) earlier this year voted overwhelmingly (22-2) to allow Dr Alex Allinson’s Private Member’s Bill to be introduced that would legalise the choice for terminally ill people. A draft bill will then be prepared for review by a committee of the Manx parliament, Tynwald, before being debated next year.

Jersey launched the second part of its consultation in October, seeking input from the public and stakeholders on specific proposals for law change. This follows the States Assembly agreeing overwhelmingly with the principle of law change last November and the Jersey public showing strong support for reform in the first phase of the consultation this summer. Following this second phase, States Members will hold another vote on the final proposals for law change in March 2023. If successful, legislation will be drafted for a third and final debate in the States Assembly.

The Irish Parliament is soon expected to confirm the launch of a Special Oireachtas Committee on assisted dying, following the progress of Gino Kenny TD’s Death with Dignity Bill after a successful vote in October 2020. Polling commissioned by Dignity in Dying and shared with End of Life Ireland found that 63% of people in the Republic of Ireland support assisted dying, with just 18% opposed.

President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that a national debate on assisted dying will take place in France, with the view to legalising assisted dying by the end of 2023. Macron had previously indicated his support for law change during his re-election campaign earlier this year.

England and Wales will soon be surrounded by jurisdictions bringing forward assisted dying proposals. Westminster must commit to listening to its dying citizens and giving this issue the time and respect it deserves in Parliament, or we soon risk falling behind our more enlightened neighbours.