Guernsey Assisted Dying Request Anticipated for Early 2025

A formal request to legalize assisted dying in Guernsey could be submitted in early 2025, according to former Chief Minister Gavin St Pier. This projection follows a vote by UK MPs on Friday, who supported an assisted dying bill for England and Wales introduced by MP Kim Leadbeater. Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, St Pier affirmed, “I have made it very clear throughout this term that is was always my intention to give this States the opportunity to consider the issue by requête.” The campaign group Dignity In Dying expressed strong support, stating it was “very supportive of the proposal.” Prior to the passage of the bill in England and Wales, St Pier further elaborated, “My intention was always to make others go first, the Isle of Man is now in the final stages of passing legislation, Jersey has approved the framework in great detail… So I think that may well be the basis to bring requête in the early part of next year.” St Pier’s comments were made after the launch of a political movement called Future Guernsey. As a political advisor to the group, St Pier clarified, “Future Guernsey will not have a position on assisted dying – it does not lie within one of the six priority areas.” The launch event was attended by approximately 200 people, where the team behind the movement outlined their six primary policy areas: housing, health, the climate, education, fiscal sustainability, and the economy. This launch followed research conducted by the group with Guernsey residents to identify their priorities.