Guernsey could become the first place in the British Isles to allow assisted suicide

Guernsey could become the first place in the British Isles to have a suicide clinic.

According to the Mirror, a proposal to allow people to end their life on the Channel Island is expected to be given the go-ahead by politicians in May.

The plans would reportedly allow the assisted dying of terminally-ill adults with six months or less to live who have been declared mentally competent.

Chief minister Gavin St Pier told the Mirror: “This is about giving people choice and a sense that they have some control themselves, rather than being frightened, out of control and in the hands of others. That for me is why it is such an important issue.”

Currently, those who want to end their life legally have to travel to Switzerland as assisting a suicide is illegal in the UK, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years.

The planned move in Guernsey is thought by some to pave the way for people from the UK mainland to travel to the Channel Island to get help to end their lives.

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If the plans are passed it is thought there would be an 18-month consultation, including looking at measures to prevent abuse of the legislation and the role of doctors.

According to the Mirror, the cost of the procedure could be covered by the island’s health service.

Guernsey, which can set its own laws subject to consultation with the Privy Council, previously rejected the plans to change the law after a vote in 2002.

But the issue is expected to be revisited and voted on in May.