Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has this week led a senior delegation to Brussels as part of the Isle of Man Government’s ongoing programme of international engagement.
The future of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and the potential implications for the Isle of Man were among the issues discussed during a series of meetings with EU politicians and officials.
The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Chief Secretary Will Greenhow and Director of External Relations Della Fletcher MBE, also gained an insight into the EU’s priorities for the forthcoming parliamentary season.
The visit was organised by the Isle of Man Brussels Office against a changing political landscape in Europe and further developments in international tax and financial services regulation.
Mr Bell held positive meetings with a number of MEPs – including Kay Swinburne, an influential member of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, and Syed Kamall, leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) – the Permanent Representative and Deputy Head of Mission of the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKrep) and representatives of Andorra, the Faroe Islands and Channel Islands.
There was also an opportunity to learn more about the Scottish Government’s plans in relation to the devolution debate and to have informal discussions with the Head of the City of London’s Brussels Office.
The Chief Minister said:
‘The visit to Brussels was extremely productive in terms of developing a deeper understanding of the current position and influence of the UK in European circles. This is a matter of great significance for the Isle of Man. While we can and do engage with the EU directly, we do not ultimately have a seat at the table and rely on the UK to represent our interests.’
He added:
‘It is also important to remain in step with developments that will have an impact on our business community. The Isle of Man’s future economic success will come, in large part, from our ability to attract foreign investment and to promote ourselves as a gateway into the European marketplace. Engaging with those who develop the laws and regulations enables us to create the right environment in which the Island’s economy can flourish.’
The visit also served to raise further awareness of the Isle of Man’s positive contribution to the global economy.
The Chief Minister said:
‘It is vital for our reputation and future prosperity that our position on key issues is communicated fairly and accurately. Developing our international relations must remain at the heart of everything we do as a Government and as a business centre.’
On his return from Brussels, Mr Bell also had meetings in London with a number of prominent and influential politicians, including Lord Faulks, the Justice Minister responsible for the UK Government’s relations with the Crown Dependencies.
He concluded:
‘This was a very useful series of meetings in Brussels and London, and it provided further evidence that the external view of the Isle of Man is now much more positive than in the past. It is gratifying that the Island’s policies of international responsibility and engagement are gaining recognition.’
