Isle of Man assisted dying bill 'could be amended' by Manx politicians amidst royal assent delays

The Isle of Man became the first place int he British Isles to pass assisted dying legislation in March 2025. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Westminster could force the Isle of Man to make changes to its assisted dying bill, if it continues to delay the royal assent process, it has been revealed.

The assisted dying legislation was passed by the Manx parliament in March 2025 - the first parliament in the British Isles to do so.

But primary legislation on the Isle of Man has to get royal assent in Westminster to formally become law, as it is a Crown Dependency.

While the bill could be rejected outright by Westminster, it is more likely to be returned to the House of Keys with further amendments.

Any of these amendments would then need to be debated by politicians in the Keys, and then considered once again by the Legislative Council, the upper chamber of Tynwald.

Westminster meeting requested over Isle of Man assisted dying law 'delay'
The assisted dying bill was debated in the House of Keys - the lower chamber of Tynwald. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The island's Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK confirmed the process during a question in the House of Keys, on 10 February.

When asked if the bill could be changed, if sent back to the island by Westminster, he said: "I understand that yes, the bill can be returned to the House of Keys for amendments."

It comes after the mover of the bill Dr Alex Allinson MHK wrote to the Lord Chancellor David Lammy, asking for a meeting to discuss the delay.

The Assisted Dying Bill 2023 was originally passed by politicians on the island in March 2025, giving terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their own lives.

Those eligible require a prognosis of 12 months of less to live, and need to have lived on the island for five years.

While the bill has been approved by politicians on the island, it still requires further approval by Westminster, as part of the relationship between the two nations.

Mr Cannan said: "The Ministry of Justice cannot change the legislation, but they do have a duty to review that legislation, and of course then recommend it for royal assent."

Assisted dying campaigners gathered outside parliament each week during the Isle of Man debate. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Mr Cannan was also asked what questions the Ministry of Justice had asked about the bill, and what responses had been given.

While Mr Cannan was unable to share the specific correspondence, he said the island's minister for Health and Social Care had written to members outlining questions around safeguarding.

He said: "The Ministry of Justice has asked for clarification on codes of practice and post-death reviews, the compliance with various matters related to human rights.

"I understand that in giving that clarification they sought the Attorney General's chambers - this is a common practice in terms of reviewing the legislation - and yes sometimes the government is asked to provide clarification around compliance of that legislation."

Mr Cannan concluded by suggesting the bill would 'fall' if royal assent is not granted by the end of the current administration.

However, if royal assent has not been granted before the final sitting of Tynwald on 21 July 2026, members will be invited to sign the bill at that sitting.

If it is then signed by the majority of both members of the House of Keys, and members of the Legislative Council, royal assent can still be given and announced after the General Election.

Once signed by Tynwald, there is no scope for any further amendments meaning the UK Government would only be able to approve or disapprove the new law, with no option of further amendments.

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