Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK will give evidence to a Westminster Committee next week as work continues to promote understanding of the Isle of Man’s position in relation to Brexit.
Mr Quayle will appear on Tuesday (December 20) before the House of Lords EU Select Committee, which is examining opportunities and risks arising from the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, not only for the UK itself but for the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
The Chief Minister’s attendance at the committee is part of an extensive programme of activity to raise awareness of the Island’s relationship with Europe and its view of the potential implications of Brexit.
The Isle of Man Government has also submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, inquiring into the impact of Brexit on the UK’s role in the world, and to the House of Commons Justice Committee, looking at the implications for the Crown Dependencies. Mr Quayle has invited the Justice Committee to visit the Island in the new year.
The Chief Minister commented:
‘The invitation to speak to the House of Lords EU Select Committee is a further welcome opportunity to explain the Isle of Man’s situation to an influential audience.
‘The Island’s Protocol 3 relationship with the European Union, allowing for the free movement of goods and people, will come to an end when the UK leaves. We would prefer to retain our ability to trade freely in goods with the EU, and to have continued access to European labour to support our economic growth.
‘However, we must recognise that our future relationship with the EU will very much depend on what the UK can negotiate for itself, and the outcome of that process is still far from certain.’
Mr Quayle continued:
‘In the meantime it is important to keep the Isle of Man on the Brexit radar, so that our interests are known and recognised as discussions continue.
We expect the UK Government to keep us advised of developments and listen to our concerns, and our experience of engaging with the UK so far has been most encouraging.’
