MHK requests meeting with David Lammy over assisted dying delays

UK Ministry of Justice has written to the Isle of Man Government about the bill 12 times

The MHK behind the Island's Assisted Dying Bill has requested a meeting in Westminster to 'deal with any remaining questions' that are holding up progress.

It comes as despite the bill being approved in March last year, it still has not been put forward for royal assent.

Dr Alex Allinson told Manx Radio the UK's Ministry of Justice 'posed a number of technical questions about the secondary legislation required to bring in codes of practice and the training required for those who opt in to provide an assisted dying service for residents of our Island'.

The bill 'cannot come into operation until all the secondary legislation, regulations and codes of practice have been established, and where necessary, agreed by Tynwald'.

He added: "There is no legislated timescale for this implementation, but it cannot commence before section 22 of the Capacity Act 2023 is in operation and an appointed day order has been laid before Tynwald by the Department of Health and Social Care."

He confirmed he has now written to David Lammy MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, to clarify the current situation regarding royal assent and 'to request a meeting with him to deal with any remaining questions the MoJ may have'.