UK Ministry of Justice queries Assisted Dying Bill

The UK's Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has raised concerns over protections against coercion and capacity safeguards in the Isle of Man's Assisted Dying Bill.

The legislation, which completed its passage through Tynwald in March 2025 and is now awaiting Royal Assent, would grant terminally ill Manx residents the right to end their own lives.

In a letter circulated this week, Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said the MOJ asked whether post-death reviews would be mandated in every assisted dying case on the island and how protections against coercion would operate.

Officials in Christian's department told the MOJ that training would be mandatory for relevant professionals.

Christian's letter confirmed an independent post-death review would always take place, and that the island's Capacity Act would include assessments to detect any signs of coercion, undue influence and treatable mental health conditions.

"Should Royal Assent be granted, the Act will not be commenced until all required secondary legislation and the Code of Practice have been developed, consulted upon, and approved by Tynwald," Christian wrote.

This week, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan was quizzed in the House of Keys as to why Royal Assent for the Assisted Dying Bill had taken so long.

MHK Rob Callister said he was "shocked the [Ministry] of Justice feels they can change legislation that has been produced in this chamber."

Meanwhile Julie Edge questioned whether, if the Manx legislation was flawed, it could be sent back to the island for further changes.

The bill's proponent Alex Allinson said the MOJ had asked for clarification rather than identifying any flaws.

Lawrie Hooper questioned whether extra attention was being paid to this bill before Royal Assent was granted.

Cannan said while he could not answer that question, the bill was "a very, very serious matter -we are talking life and death".

He said the Ministry of Justice "cannot change the legislation, but they do have a duty to review it".

Cannan added: "I have no evidence in any way to suggest that the Manx Bill is connected with the UK's legislation."

The queries had been about "compliance with human rights legislation," he said, adding: "I suspect that is why it has taken some time to resolve."

As the bill has not yet been signed, changes can still be made, he confirmed.

If the legislation does not receive Royal Assent ahead of September's general election on the Isle of Man, the bill will fall.

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