Dr Alex Allinson has told Tynwald he will bring forward amendments to the assisted dying bill after the UK Lord Chancellor declined to recommend royal assent.
Responding to the decision, Allinson said: “Whilst I’m obviously disappointed that the Lord Chancellor has decided not to recommend the bill for royal assent at this time, I’m grateful for the work that has already been started by the Attorney General’s chamber to draft amendments that will address these technical issues.”
He confirmed the UK Ministry of Justice has sought written assurances on “improved safeguards against possible coercion, independent monitoring of the assisted dying process and the legislative nature of the proposed codes of practice”.
Dr Allinson said the bill “provides for compassion, choice and dignity for those with a terminal illness facing an inevitable death.”
He intends to work with Tynwald members “over the coming weeks to bring forward a series of amendments to the bill which will strengthen and improve the existing safeguards and ensure that the legislation we have passed best suits the needs of our island while safeguarding genuine choice and autonomy for our people”.