Isle of Man completes final vote on amendments necessary for Royal Assent of Assisted Dying Bill
The Isle of Man has today taken its final legislative step towards securing Royal Assent for Dr Alex Allison’s Assisted Dying Bill, after Tynwald voted by a 3:1 majority for all remaining amendments: 16 to 6 in the House of Keys and 5 to 1 in the Legislative Council. The Isle of Man was the first jurisdiction across the UK and Crown Dependencies to legalise assisted dying in March 2025 and has since been joined by Jersey in February 2026.
Today’s milestone comes on the same week that Labour MP Lauren Edwards announced her intention to reintroduce the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at Westminster, having finished second in the Private Members’ Ballot. The original Bill, first brought by Kim Leadbeater MP, passed two votes in the House of Commons with strong public and parliamentary support before a handful of anti-choice Peers blocked it from ever reaching a vote in the Lords through a sustained filibuster. A Commons debate and vote on Lauren Edwards’ Bill is expected in September.
Both Houses of Tynwald had already voted overwhelmingly to approve the Bill’s substance. Today’s amendments, drafted in consultation with the Manx Attorney General, reflect changes recommended by the Ministry of Justice, enhancing existing safeguards and ensuring compliance with the European Court of Human Rights.
Today’s joint sitting of Tynwald’s Lower and Upper Houses is a clear demonstration of political collaboration facilitating the will of the people and the majority of its legislature, serving as a powerful example for Westminster and beyond.
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“Today is a profound moment for the dying people of the Isle of Man who have fought so hard and waited so long for this law change. Thanks to Dr Alex Allinson’s leadership and determination, and the bravery of individuals like Sue Biggerstaff and Millie Blenkinsop-French who shared their most personal stories to make the case for change, the Isle of Man has made history.
This is what good law-making looks like, careful, compassionate, and built on listening to the people it will affect most. The Isle of Man and Jersey have demonstrated that robust, well-designed assisted dying legislation is not only possible, but commands overwhelming public and parliamentary support when legislators are given the chance to consider it properly.
The momentum behind this cause is now undeniable. At Westminster, Lauren Edwards is bringing back the Bill that a handful of unelected Peers blocked from ever reaching a vote despite it passing the Commons twice with strong support. Today should give every MP the confidence to finish what they started.”
Dr Alex Allinson, Member of the House of Keys and sponsor of the Assisted Dying Bill, said:
“Our community has been campaigning for greater dignity for those dying with terminal illness for over two decades and it is now clear on the Isle of Man and across the British Isles that the democratic debate has been won for Assisted Dying. We are committed to working with the Ministry of Justice to secure Royal Assent without further delay, to give dying Manx citizens the end-of-life choice they want and deserve.
The Isle of Man has properly discharged democracy and shown that a compassionate, well-designed law change is achievable. I hope it gives confidence and encouragement to legislators at Westminster that they can, and should, do the same.”
*ENDS*
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Tom Steen, Media and Campaigns Support Officer, Dignity in Dying: tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk | 07356 135578