--- title: "UK Government blocks Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill" date: "2026-04-17T13:12:00+01:00" modified: "2026-04-17T13:12:05+01:00" url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/04/17/uk-government-blocks-isle-of-mans-assisted-dying-bill/" post_id: 187860 categories: ["News"] --- # UK Government blocks Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill ![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/Ise-of-Man-2.webp?resize=1200%2C600&ssl=1)The UK’s Ministry of Justice says it’s unable to recommend the Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill for Royal Assent. Humanists UK is deeply disappointed by this and questions how a challenge to the Bill on European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) grounds could be possible, seeing as nine European countries allow legal assisted dying in some form, nearly all of them having a more permissive system than the Isle of Man’s proposed law. The Bill, introduced by Dr Alex Allinson MHK, passed its final stage in Tynwald over a year ago on 25 March 2025 and was then submitted for Royal Assent. The Isle of Man Government has [received a letter from the Ministry of Justice](https://www.gov.im/news/2026/apr/17/uk-lord-chancellor-advises-on-assisted-dying-bill/), which had sought clarity on the arrangements for monitoring assisted deaths, safeguards against coercion, and ensuring individuals have the capacity to make decisions. The Manx government provided comprehensive assurances and commitments that would mitigate the legal risk significantly. The UK Government’s view is that these matters must be addressed on the face of the Bill in primary legislation to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. Dr Allinson MHK will now work with Tynwald Members over the coming weeks to bring forward a series of amendments to the Bill to satisfy the UK government. Switzerland’s longstanding assisted dying law is **one line long**. Article 115 of its Criminal Code permits assisted dying where there are no selfish motives. There have been challenges under the ECHR in the past, but those challenges failed, and Switzerland remains within the Convention system. #### **Humanists UK’s Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:** > ‘It is deeply disappointing that the UK Government has decided not to allow this legislation to proceed at this stage, despite the clear support it has received in Tynwald. This delay will be very difficult for many terminally ill people on the Isle of Man and for their families, who had hoped this Bill would provide greater choice and dignity at the end of life. > > ‘We will consider the Government’s reasoning carefully once it is fully set out. However, it is fair to question whether reliance on the ECHR is justified, given the fact that similar laws are in place in other European jurisdictions. Switzerland’s law is one line long and has not been successfully challenged under the ECHR.’ #### Notes For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only). Switzerland’s [Art. 115 Inciting and assisting suicide](https://www.droit-bilingue.ch/de-en/3/31/311.0-115-147.html?): “Any person who for selfish motives incites or assists another to commit or attempt to commit suicide is, if that other person thereafter commits or attempts to commit suicide, liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty.” The nine countries that allow assisted dying in some form are: 1. Austria 2. Belgium 3. Germany (court-created legal position) 4. Italy (limited) 5. Luxembourg 6. Netherlands 7. Portugal (not yet implemented) 8. Spain 9. Switzerland Read more about our work on [assisted dying](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/policy-unit/assisted-dying-policy-briefing/). Read more about the [Isle of Man’s assisted dying law](https://humanists.uk/2026/02/18/isle-of-mans-assisted-dying-bill-royal-assent-delay-would-cause-democratic-crisis/). Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.