The driving force behind the Isle of Man's Assisted Dying Bill has welcomed the ‘historic decision’ by UK MPs to back similar draft legislation in England and Wales.

The vote in the UK Parliament Friday, which passed with a majority of 55 (330 to 275), marks a significant step towards legalising the practice for terminally ill adults expected to die within six months.

If it makes its way into legislation, the terminally ill adults (end of life) Bill would see patients who fit the criteria be granted the right to die once the request has been signed off by two doctors and a high court judge

The Bill was initially put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater although it still has a number of steps to go through before law.

Last Friday’s vote was the first to take place on the issue in the UK parliament in almost 10 years.

Dr Alex Allinson, an MHK for Ramsey and Treasury Minister who has championed the Isle of Man's efforts to introduce assisted dying into law, said the UK vote reflects the broader public desire for end-of-life choice.

Speaking to Media Isle of Man, he said: ‘This historic moment demonstrates the ability and integrity of our democratic systems to reflect the aspirations and wishes of our constituents.

‘Across the British Isles there has been overwhelming public support to back changes in the law to allow for greater end of life choice, autonomy and dignity.’

He added: ‘In the Isle of Man the Assisted Dying Bill was approved by MHKs in July and is now being debated by the Legislative Council. Similar progress is now being taken by MPs in Westminster with significant support across political parties.’

Pro-assisted dying campaign group Dignity in Dying, whose members have been advocating for the right to die on the Isle of Man, hailed the UK vote as a ‘significant moment.’

The group’s Chief Executive Sarah Wootton said: ‘This is a historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people.

‘[UK] Parliament has listened to dying people and is reflecting their views, at last.

‘Many will be feeling overwhelming relief and gratitude that, today, our country has moved closer than ever before to a safer and more compassionate law.

‘Significant though this moment is, this is just the start of the journey for the Bill. In the months ahead, it will undergo detailed, clause by clause scrutiny by MPs, with further debate and votes on amendments in both Houses.’

The Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill has already advanced further than any previous legislation of its kind in the British Isles.

In October, the Legislative Council, the government’s upper house, voted 7–1 in favour of the Bill's Principles Stage, which examines the broader subject in the context of the law.

The Bill, introduced by Dr Allinson, proposes that lawful assisted dying should be available as a choice for terminally ill, mentally competent residents, subject to strict safeguards and alongside high-quality end-of-life care.

Following the House of Keys' approval in July (16–8), the legislation is now undergoing the Clauses Stage by Legislative Council, where amendments and finer details are scrutinised.

The legislation aims to give terminally ill individuals autonomy to end their suffering on their own terms while ensuring high-quality end-of-life care remains available.

Legislative Council member Paul Craine voted against the Bill during its Principles Stage, reflecting concerns voiced by some residents and religious groups.

However, The Legislative Council cannot vote the Bill down, only amend and delay it by up to 12 months.

The Bill could receive Royal Assent as soon as next year, with assisted dying potentially being made available to terminally ill Manx residents from 2027.