The former MHK who spearheaded the island’s Assisted Dying Bill says he’s saddened that right to die legislation across has been voted down by MPs in Westminster.

Dr Alex Allinson said he remains confident that his private member’s bill will ultimately receive Royal Assent - but is concerned some campaigners in support of the change may not be alive to see it implemented.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated in the House of Commons on Friday by 286 votes to 270.

Dr Allinson said: ‘I am saddened that the House of Commons did not support their bill to allow for assisted dying in England originally introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP in 2024.

‘This bill had been subject to extensive debate and consultation and was previously supported by MPs before running out of time earlier this year due to delays and numerous proposed debates in the House of Lords.’

Tynwald passed its own Assisted Dying Bill in March last year and this was then submitted to the Ministry of Justice in London for Royal Assent.

Dr Allinson said this was the culmination of over two decades of campaigning from local people who he said want more autonomy, choice and dignity for those with a terminal illness who are dying in the Isle of Man.

He added: ‘Unfortunately, it took the UK Government almost a year to request changes to the bill to ensure that the existing protections against possible coercion and the monitoring of the operation of the act, should be on the face of the bill rather than determined by secondary legislation.

‘In the meantime, nations around Europe and the rest of the world have been responding to the needs of their people and changing their laws.’

In June this year Tynwald overwhelmingly supported a series of amendments that aim to strengthen the bill and ensure its compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The amended Bill was then signed by MHKs and MLCs and is now back with the Ministry of Justice.

In July, with a change in UK Prime Minister, Alex Norris MP was appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

It is now up to him to make recommendations to His Majesty to approve the bill.

Dr Allinson, who is not standing again in this month’s general election, said: ‘I am confident that Royal Assent will be granted,.

‘Tynwald can then back the further consultation and legislation needed to implement the choice of an assisted death for those in our community who are requesting the compassion and autonomy it could bring.

‘Tynwald has been debating the important issue of assisted dying and the need for accessible palliative care for over two decades with committees and parliamentary reports. Now is the time to deliver on these promises.

‘The UK government has supported Jersey’s legislation. Should they not support our bill it will be up to the next Tynwald to bring forward new legislation which will ensure greater compassion and support for those with a terminal illness.

‘It is clear from the last four years of debate that people in our island hold different views on assisted dying, and some remain opposed to the very principles it builds on.

‘However, it is also clear that an overwhelming majority of people in our community support this progressive legislation, and it is now a matter of time for their wishes to be met.

‘My regret is that some of the people campaigning for this change may not still be with us when Assisted Dying eventually becomes available for them.’