<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Accounting and
actuarial experts" and "Financial statements of JHVLICO and the Account" in the
Prospectus and to the inclusion of our reports dated February 11, 2000, with
respect to the financial statements included in the Annual Report of John
Hancock Variable Life Account U, and March 10, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements included in the Annual Report of John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company, included in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 33-76660).
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 1, 2000
