Members of the Legislative Council have approved all but three of 26 amendments to a Private Members' Bill which was introduced by former GP Dr Alex Allinson.

Allinson told Healthcare Management: ‘Today marks a major step forward for our legislation to permit assisted dying in the Isle of Man.'

The three rejected amendments, which include a proposal to significantly shorten the residency criteria and for the person having an assisted death to not be allowed to be alone at any time, will now be now be considered by members of the Legislative Council again at their next regular sitting on 11 March.

If members agree the Bill it will then be submitted for Royal Assent making the Isle of Man the first place in the British Isles to permit assisted dying.