<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 V, and March 10, 2000, with respect to the financial
statements of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company, included in this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 33-
16611).
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 1, 2000