The UK Ministry of Justice says it will not recommend the Assisted Dying Bill 2023 for Royal Assent due to concerns over compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
In correspondence to the Manx government, the UK’s Lord Chancellor said that while the Isle of Man provided comprehensive assurances addressing issues around independent monitoring, safeguards against coercion and capacity to make informed decisions, these commitments “do not form part of the Bill”.
The letter states: “It is therefore the UK Government’s view that these matters must be addressed directly on the face of the Bill to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.”
The Ministry of Justice added: “It is on this basis that the Ministry of Justice is unable to recommend the Bill for Royal Assent at this time.”
Interpreted
The letter says that the decision “should not be interpreted as disallowing Royal Assent; nor does it prejudice the policy merits of assisted dying”.
“It reflects solely the need to ensure that the legislation once enacted contains the necessary protections required under the European Convention on Human Rights”.
The Bill was brought forward as a Private Member’s Bill by Dr Alex Allinson who will now have to consider next steps through Tynwald.