Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK has welcomed recognition of the Isle of Man’s position in the White Paper on the Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union published today.
Dominic Raab MP, the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, delivered a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon setting out the Government’s Brexit plans.
The White Paper recognises the Isle of Man’s desire to preserve its existing constitutional and economic relationship with the UK and to remain in the Common Travel Area (CTA). Those objectives will be set out as part of the UK Government’s negotiations.
The UK position also acknowledges that the Isle of Man and the other Crown Dependencies are likely to require a bespoke arrangement with the EU that differs from the UK’s.
The Chief Minister said:
‘We have continued to work very closely with the UK throughout the Brexit discussions and to monitor the development of the UK position. This positive engagement helps to build a deeper understanding of the Isle of Man and ensures that our voice is heard on key issues. I am encouraged that the White Paper makes specific references to the Crown Dependencies and that it reflects our main objectives in respect of our constitutional and economic relationship with the UK and the continued participation of the Isle of Man in the CTA.’
He added:
‘We will maintain our engagement with the UK and continue to work towards securing the best possible outcome for the Island. Detailed consideration will be given to the White Paper to ensure the Isle of Man is ready, and positioned accordingly, as the UK continues to negotiate its withdrawal from the EU on 29 March 2019.’
The White Paper sets out a broad overview of the preferred new relationship with the EU for the UK and Devolved Administrations and the intention to seek specific arrangements for the Crown Dependencies, Gibraltar and the Overseas Territories.
The UK’s proposals will now be considered by the EU negotiating team, with a view to a Draft Future Partnership being agreed to coincide with the finalising of the Withdrawal Agreement in the autumn.
