The Isle of Man European Union Advisory Group

Following the vote to leave the European Union, the Chief Minister requested an emergency debate in Tynwald, where the referendum result was discussed. The Chief Minister outlined the preparatory work that had been undertaken and also advised that the Council of Ministers would be establishing a high level Working Group to assess the implications of Brexit and to provide policy advice on future options and opportunities for the Island.

The Isle of Man European Union Advisory Group was established, chaired by the Chief Secretary Will Greenhow, and comprising of senior officers from the Cabinet Office, the Treasury, HM Attorney General’s Chambers and the Departments for Economic Development, and for Environment, Food and Agriculture. It will also co-opt other relevant officers as required. The Group reports directly to the Council of Ministers.

Preparatory work in the Isle of Man Government continues across a number of fronts and includes:

• Dealing with the legislative impact of withdrawal;
• Engaging with the UK at a political and official level to set out the Island’s priorities, and to build relationships with key officials in the UK Government;
• Identifying and conducting further research on potential opportunities and threats; and
• Assessing the longer term technical and legal processes which will support the Island’s position in relation to the World Trade Organisation, and the UK’s new Free Trade Agreements.

Further details on these areas of work can be found in the Fourth Interim Report