Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK led a senior delegation to London on Monday to continue the Isle of Man Government’s programme of political and economic engagement with the United Kingdom.
Mr Quayle and Department for Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly MHK held positive discussions with a number of key figures in Westminster and the City.
The main focus of the visit saw the Chief Minister attend the latest in the series of quarterly meetings between the Crown Dependencies and the UK Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU).
Mr Quayle joined Ian Gorst, Chief Minister of Jersey, and Gavin St Pier, Chief Minister of Guernsey, for talks with Robin Walker MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DExEU.
The meeting took place days after the publication of the proposed Withdrawal Agreement, which indicates that the Isle of Man will retain its current relationship with the EU during the Brexit implementation period.
The Isle of Man delegation also used the visit to Westminster to strengthen relations with MPs and peers, including The Rt. Hon. Lord Keen of Elie QC, while Minister Skelly took part in meetings with representatives from the international business community.
The Chief Minister said:
‘It is always beneficial to spend time on the ground in Westminster to learn more about the UK’s Brexit negotiations. Positive engagement with the UK builds a deeper understanding of the Isle of Man and ensures our voice continues to be heard. The regular meetings with Robin Walker help to cement our relationship with those at the very heart of the Brexit process. We will continue to use these insights to work towards the best possible outcome for the Island.’
Minister Skelly added:
‘In addition to Brexit, the future of international business centres remains in sharp focus, with issues around trade, tax and transparency. The visit to London provided an opportunity to reaffirm the Island’s value to the global community and to spell out the differences that set us apart from other offshore nations. Face-to-face meetings are the best way to deliver the right messages to the right people.’
