Progression of UK assisted dying bill shows 'convergence of opinion'

Dr Alex Allinson reacts to news from House of Commons

The progression of the UK's assisted dying bill shows 'convergence of opinion from parliamentarians' and a 'change in public attitudes'.

That's according to Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson, whose own legislation is currently making its way through the clauses' stage here.

The Legislative Council convened to consider evidence on the Assisted Dying Bill earlier this week.

Meanwhile MPs in the UK voted in favour of a bill to introduce assisted dying in England and Wales after a debate lasting nearly five hours.

The bill received 330 ayes compared to 275 noes at its second reading in the House of Commons - a majority of 55.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's bill will now move on to the scrutiny stages - essentially, where the Manx bill currently resides.

If the UK's bill passes, it would allow terminally-ill people with less than six months to live the option to end their lives - if approved by two doctors and a judge.

That differs from Dr Alex Allinson's proposed legislation, but he told Manx Radio the two bills do share many similarities: