Overwhelming support from the public for assisted dying to be legalised has been welcomed by two politicians who are keen to change the law.

Alex Allinson, an MHK and GP, says the results of a poll demonstrate the need to bring the issue back before Tynwald.

Clare Barber MHK, a nurse, (pictured) said: ’The importance of providing access to a good death cannot be overstated, and this includes enabling choices about death.

’For those with a terminal illness it is absolutely right that those choices are available to them, the appropriate safeguards are in place and bodily autonomy is placed front and centre.’

The poll, commissioned by campaigning group Dignity in Dying, finds that 87% of islanders support terminally ill, mentally competent adults being allowed to choose assisted death in their final months, while 75% want a change in the law debated in the next political term, and 43% say they would consider travelling overseas for assisted death if terminally ill.

Just 4% said the Isle of Man should wait to see what the UK does first.

Dr Allinson said: ’Last year I brought a motion on assisted dying to Tynwald, which demonstrated significant appetite for further discussion in our parliament and wider community. It is now clear that the Manx people are unequivocally supportive of greater choice and autonomy at the end of life and want Tynwald to look again at prospective legislation. I wholeheartedly agree.’

A survey of residents of Jersey and Guernsey yielded similar results, with strong support for a change in the law on assisted dying, 90% and 84% respectively.

As Crown Dependencies, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are able to legislate on assisted dying independently from the rest of the British Isles.

A bill was introduced to the Scottish parliament yesterday (Monday) and a similar private members bill is due to get a second reading in the House of Lords this autumn.

Assisted dying is legal in 10 American states, three Australian states and across New Zealand. Spain has recently passed an assisted dying law, while Germany and Austria are considering legislation. A bill is also progressing through the Dail in Ireland.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said: ’The Manx people have declared loud and clear that they want a safe, compassionate assisted dying law.’

Island Global Research Limited carried out the poll. The total sample size was 2,801 adults - 872 in the Isle of Man, 873 in Jersey and 1,056 in Guernsey.

The issue was last raised in Tynwald by Alex Allinson in January 2020 when he brought a motion to promote discussion on the topic.

The Isle of Man last discussed assisted dying in January 2020 after a motion was introduced by Dr Allinson to promote discussion on the topic.