<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 7



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Accounting and
actuarial experts" in the Prospectus and to the use of our reports dated
February 11, 2000, with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock
Variable Life Account U and dated March 10, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company, included
in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement (Form S-6,
No. 2-68061).


                              /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts

November 1, 2000



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission