The DHSC has accused Dr Glover of breaching an agreement between her company and the department.
Changes to Bus Timetable
Bus Vannin has been unable to push ahead with the rollout of more on demand services for the island’s more rural areas.
Guernsey Plans to Reopen Border Next Week
The island will introduce isolation periods and a testing regime based on where people have travelled from.
Committee to Probe Lockdown Decisions
A decision has yet to be taken as to whether the committee will sit physically in the Legislative Council Chamber or remotely via MS Teams.
IOM Gov Briefing – 15th April
Howard, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Two hours late to the party as there was a lot of chat in Keys today Monday will be our 21st day without an unexplained case SIGNIFICANT Dr H & Numbers Twice incubation period = local elimination. Seeing a significant number of tests […]
KPMG to Develop Gov’s Economic Strategy
A gov statement said the KPMG strategy, ‘Our Big Picture’, will be constructed across five key phases.
We Need a Plan to Fund Residential Care
Speaking to Gef, Ms Edge said she felt the time was ‘appropriate to see what progress has been achieved by the Council of Ministers in this administration’.
The Nolan Principles and Powerful Questions
Sam’s take on how a review by Lord Nolan and questioned posed by Tony Benn created standards we should judge our leaders on.
Gef’s Daily Roundup
Some of the highlights of Tuesday’s news from across the island and around the UK.
Advocate Training is ‘Insufficient’
The committee said that because of the relatively small size of the Manx Bar, ‘there is still a high risk of the perception of conflict of interest whenever practising advocates are deciding how to deal with matters relating to other practising advocates’.
Moorhouse Pushes on in Bid for Celebration of Island Life
The MHK is seeking support for the creation of a two week celebration of Island life.
An Introduction to the Climate Change Citizens’ Forum
Sarah Mercer tells us about climate change, and more importantly, what the Isle of Man should do about it.
Gef’s Daily Roundup
The island remembers Prince Philip, Beckii Flint is one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 and another night of violence in Belfast.
What is Happening in Northern Ireland?
Gef takes a look at why tensions have spilled over into violence in Northern Ireland this week.
Change in AZ Jab Advice will Delay Rollout
Dr Ewart: ‘The link between the small recorded number of clots and the AstraZeneca vaccine is not yet certain. If there is a link, the risk is incredibly small at around four cases per million people.’
Manx Care CEO Responds to Boardroom Photo Anger
The picture was criticised for what some said was the ‘hypocrisy’ of the Manx Care team meeting when Chief Minister Howard Quayle had criticised private businesses and their employees for not working from home.
Gef’s Daily Roundup
A busy day with Covid passports, Manx music and the World Snooker Championships making the news headlines.
Abortion Submissions Close Tonight
To submit evidence, you can email committees@tynwald.org.im by 5pm tonight.
IOM Gov Briefing – 6th April
Howard, David, Dr Henrietta Well good afternoon everyone Hope you enjoyed the sun and caught up with loved ones I did, I took some cake to me Mum’s garden Numbers 1 new case – it is linked 109 active cases 1 in hospital Vaccines Continue apace All over 40 letters […]
Tynwald President to Retire
Speaker Juan Watterson has previously stated he wants to succeed Mr Rodan.
Boris’ Covid Briefing
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ducked and dodged committing to a Westminster vote on Covid Passports.
Dr Glover: The Nitty-Gritty Of Testing
Our final instalment from yesterday’s PAC evidence session with Dr Rachel Glover. Here, we learn all the nitty gritty details on testing and the friendly competition between the crown dependencies to test test test
TT 2022 Target for Pulrose Bridge Scheme
Paul Carey & Sons Ltd has been appointed Principal Contractors for the scheme.
Dr Glover: Genomics Approach
This coverage of the PAC hearing is not intended to be a verbatim transcript of the full sitting and should not be treated as such, you can listen to the full sitting here. Continuing on from yesterday’s Public Accounts Committee evidence session with Dr Rachel Glover as part of its inquiry […]
Dr Glover: ‘I thought they were just exploiting me’
This coverage of the PAC hearing is not intended to be a verbatim transcript of the full sitting and should not be treated as such, you can listen to the full sitting here. As today’s committee hearing started to pick up pace, it became clear that Dr Glover’s well publicised disagreements […]
Gef’s Daily Roundup
Fort Island, fire alarms and Keir Starmer find their way into today’s round, it’s been a busy Thursday.
IOM Gov Briefing – 1st April
Deckchairing is back, and further updates on schools and construction.
We Need Something to Look Forward to
Mr Moorhouse will use the April Tynwald sitting to seek support to move the Senior Race Day bank holiday back to its original June 11 slot.
Snaefell Surgery Will Stay Open
There had been concerns over the future of the practice after a very public row over funding.
Through the Key Hole
Covid in schools, Treasury staff and the prom scheme feature in this week’s written answers.
Order, Order! – Final Instalment Of This Week’s HoK Coverage
Our final instalment of yesterday’s HoK questions – here, they discuss why a review into the DoI has been kept so quiet, Moorhouse want’s to know why gov’s website isn’t attractive and Edge and Baker have a stand off over a written question.
Boot Questioned On Planning And Our Environmental Footprint
Yesterday’s HoK Questions – DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot got quizzed on southern planning and what support there is for residents who want to reduce their environmental footprint at home.
DoI Minister Probed On Footpaths And Flags
Caine and Moorhouse probe DoI Minister on footpaths and the cost of flags
Moorhouse Gonna Fight For Your Right To Party (After Lockdown)
Jason Moorhouse quizzes DfE on the Domestic Events Fund and Senior Race Bank Holiday.
Ministers Quizzed on Impacts of Lockdown
Yesterday’s HoK Questions coverage continues – here, Ministers get quizzed on decision making and the impacts of lockdown.
Baker Feels The Heat
In today’s HoK sitting, DoI Minister quizzed on Covid flight subsidies, tips and connectPORTS.
Uni Students Should See a Return to Normality
Under the gov’s exit strategy, there should be no border restrictions in place by the end of September, when many of the island’s students will go off to university.
Covid Updates Due Thursday
The Chief Minister’s update to Tynwald on the Covid situation.
Gef’s Daily Roundup
A petition seeks to protect mountain hares, the Arts Council is seeking inspiration for new sculptures and Ken Barlow battles Covid.
IOM Gov Briefing – 29th March
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Sad news at the weekend. Two more members of our community died. Tragedy for the Island, thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones NUMBERS *snapshot* 8 new cases 469 active cases (DA corrects the number later in the qns to 391) […]
Order! Order!
Sam’s Tynwald and House of Keys preview ahead of a busy Tuesday for MHKs
The End is in Sight
‘We’re tantalisingly close to getting it sorted but every time we schedule a date to get people over to put the blooming things up, coronavirus seems to come up again.’
Hares Need Protecting, not Shooting
David Cretney and Manx Wildlife Trust have said proposed protections for the mountain hare don’t go far enough.
Chief Minister Quizzed by MHKs
HQ Statement on Covid We have cautious optimism, the key data is heading in the right direction, but it is going slower than we had hoped for. The majority of cases are now being found in high risk contacts. Fewer people in isolation. All encouraging steps. Thanks to everyone who […]
DoI Review Due Next Month
An independent review of the capacity and capabilities of the DoI is due to report at the end of next month. It is being carried out by management consultants Beamans, which previously delivered a report into the island’s education system that led to changes being implemented in the DESC. Chief […]
Tax Deadlines Extended
The Income Tax Division has announced the extension of various deadlines to ease concerns regarding their completion and submission: Individuals Where an individual has failed to submit their tax return for the year ended April 5 2020 by April 6 2021 a penalty of £200 would normally be issued. If […]
Gov Reminder About Vax Clinic For Adults With A Learning Disability
The gov is asking parents and carers of adults with learning disabilities to book them in to receive their first Covid-19 vaccination at a bespoke pop-up clinic taking place next week. The clinic – which will be located at the Department of Health and Social Care’s Greenfield Park/Tall Trees Day […]
Gov Says To Contact 111 When You Receive Your Vax Letter
The gov is asking people who receive their vaccination letter to contact 111 straight away and register for a COVID-19 vaccination by completing the online form or calling 111. Minister for Health and Social Care, David Ashford MHK, said: ‘To help our vaccination programme to continue at pace we are asking people […]
Development Corporation Backed by Tynwald
The creation of a new ‘arms-length’ state owned company, with the Treasury Minister as the nominated shareholder, has been approved by Tynwald. Treasury Minister Alf Cannan sought to establish the ‘Manx Development Corporation’, after Tynwald backed the concept last November. The Manx Development Corporation will focus on developing gov owned […]
Tynwald Backs Exit Strategy
Tynald has voted unanimously to support the gov’s exit strategy. Chief Minister Howard Quayle began the debate by outlining much of the same themes that were covered last week when the strategy was first published. He will return to Tynwald next month with an update of the framework. Mr Quayle […]
Ministers Face More Steam Packet Questions
Several of this week’s written answers in Tynwald, unsurprisingly, relate to ongoing Steam Packet issues. The issues raised ranged from legal advice to scheduling of services during the pandemic. The answers also included the terms of reference from the investigation ordered by the Chief Minister, however these can be found […]
Tynwald Question Time
Tynwald was back this week with members quizzing ministers on topics including school lunches, online degrees and medicinal cannabis. Julie Edge – On how many occasions in the last 12 months the published primary school meals menu has not been provided? Dr Al – From March 24 2020 to May […]
Chief Secretary Ruled No Crimes Were Committed
The Treasury Minister and Chief Minister have been grilled over Steam Packet and legal advice given over potential breaches of Covid regulations during this morning’s Tynwald sitting. These questions follow on a similar theme as the one explored by advocate Ian Kermode last week. Urgent Question 1 Chris Robertshaw to […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 12th MARCH
Howard, David, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone. Sad news that another member of our community has lost their life to Covid-19 My heart goes out to family and friends. Sincere condolences The unhappy fact is that Covid has taken so many lives around the world We have now tragically […]
Skelly – Our Brand Remains Strong
Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly has told Gef we have to keep our economy moving forward, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic. He said that every department has faced its challenges during the pandemic but that thanks to the island having a strong economy prior to the pandemic, we have […]
IOM Gov Update – 11 March
Howard, David, Dr Al, Dr Henny Well good afternoon everyone Hope you’ve looked at the Exit framework, a clearer understanding of the road ahead A point on data – I know people are carefully following numbers I know there is a wish to see more, there is a dashboard coming […]
Steam Packet ‘Debacle’ – a Constitutional Crisis?
A senior advocate has said that the ongoing row over the state owned Steam Packet and isolation rules for its crew raises issues around the separation of powers and possible breaches of the Government Code. Ian Kermode, who is the sole practitioner from his Court View Chambers, has also written […]
Through the Key Hole
Keys was back this week, delayed by a special sitting of Tynwald, MHKs met virtually on Tuesday afternoon, here’s some of the highlights from the written answers, including a special trip upstairs to the Legislative Council. No Timetable for Timetables Unashamedly indulging my own interest by putting this first, no […]
Gov Hints at New Air Bridges
With today’s announcement that the Classic TT and MGP have also fallen victim to Covid, the gov has hinted towards new air bridge links for the island. Last year of course an air bridge linked the Isle of Man with Guernsey, which allowed Manxies and Guerns to swap islands and […]
Exit Strategy Published
Nearly a year after the pandemic began, the Manx gov has now published its proposed exit strategy, which will, in time, lead to the opening of our borders. The document itself is just under 30 pages and consists of a history lesson, a look at where we are, and the […]
Vehicle Duty Changes Dropped, For Now
The gov will not be progressing the planned changes to vehicle duty until later in the year. As Gef revealed last week, the order sought approval for a new zero emissions vehicle duty of £50 and an increase in duty for other road users. A petition against its introduction had […]
Tynwald Questions on HQ’s Exit Strategy
The Chief Minister has presented his gov’s exit strategy to Tynwald, including plans for the vaccine rollout and border openings, but it’s done little to quell rebellion on the back benches.Explanation and analysis of the strategy will be released at 4pm today. Mr Robertshaw – One point to raise, we […]
HQ’s Exit Strategy To Tynwald
Tynwald kicks off with President Steve Rodan reading a message from Lord of Mann, Queen Elizabeth II HQ statement: Almost a week since we entered a third lockdown, thanks to all the public for playing their part. Only time will tell, a critical moment in this outbreak. Cases at a […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 8th MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR AL, DR HENNY WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE NUMBERS 1 RESULT AWAITING 56 NEW CASES 369 ACTIVE TOTAL 8 IN HOSPITAL 1 ICU SNAPSHOT AS ALWAYS, MAY INCREASE AS THE DAY GOES ON HOWARD WE’RE TESTING LOADS OF PEOPLE AROUND 14% ARE COMING BACK POSITIVE DR HENNY OF […]
Over 4,500 Sign Petition Against Vehicle Duty Changes
A petition calling for the gov to drop its plans to introduce a £50 vehicle duty for zero emissions vehicles has attracted over 4,000 signatures. Gef revealed over the weekend that Tynwald will be asked next week to back the introduction of the charge. If approved, vehicle duties will continue […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 5th MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR AL, DR HENNY WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE REMOVE MASKS NUMBERS – LAST 24 HOURS – ‘SNAPSHOT’ 59 NEW CASES 163 ACTIVE CASES 2 IN HOSPITAL DHSC SERVICES ASSESSMENT MORE SELF ISOLATION MEANS STAFFING HAS BEEN AFFECTED STAFF WILL BE REDEPLOYED TO VACCINATION AND TEST CANCER SCREENINGS GOING […]
£50 Duty for Zero Emission Vehicles
Tynwald will this month be asked to back the introduction of a £50 duty for zero emission vehicles. The motion will be laid by Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker when members sit on March 16. If approved, vehicle duties will continue using the current categories while gradually introducing ‘weight based duty […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 4th MARCH
HOWARD, ASHY, DR HENNY, DR AL WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE NUMBERS 12 RESULTS OUTSTANDING 36 NEW CASES TOTAL ACTIVE CASES 106 2 IN HOSPITAL 21 FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES HOWARD WE EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE CASES AS THE VIRUS INCUBATES THIS IS WHY STAYING AT HOME […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 3rd MARCH
HOWARD, DAVID, DR HENNY, DR AL WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE DAY ONE OF THE LOCKDOWN NUMBERS DAVE ON ZOOM 33703 TOTAL TESTS UNDERTAKEN 33681 TOTAL TESTS CONCLUDED 22 AWAITING TEST RESULTS 17 NEW CASES 70 ACTIVE CASES 67 COMMUNITY 3 HOSPITAL 14 UNKNOWN SOURCE HOWARD THANKS DAVE, SPREADS QUICKLY DOESN’T […]
Hooper Demands Steam Packet Answers
Liberal Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper has called on the Tynwald Public Accounts Committee to look into the Steam Packet crew restrictions debacle as a matter of urgency. A row recently erupted where the gov and Steam Packet realised they had different opinions as to what was required of the company’s […]
HQ’s STATEMENT TO KEYS
HQ – WHEN I STOOD HERE LAST WEEK IT WAS A CLUSTER, NOW IT’S GOT WORSE AND WE HAVE MORE CASES WHICH HAVE NO TRACEABLE SOURCE SO FAR AS MORE INFO BECAME CLEAR WE TOOK PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AND ASKED BUSINESSES TO CLOSE WHILE WE ASSESSED INFO NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY, COMIN […]
ALF’S STATEMENT TO KEYS
ALF: WE DIDN’T WANT TO BE IN THIS SITUATION, SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE IF BUSINESSES CAN OPEN DURING THIS LOCKDOWN, THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE DOWNTURN IF YOU HAD SUPPORT IN JAN, THEN YOU WILL BE FAST TRACKED APPS FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME WILL OPEN FROM 5PM WEDNESDAY […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 2nd MARCH
FULL HOUSE: HQ, DAVID, DR AL & DR HENNY I HAVE A SERIES OF IMPORTANT MESSAGES TO SHARE WITH YOU DAVID IS ON ZOOM FURTHER CASES THAT HAVE CAUSED US CONCERN THE LADS MET A FEW TIMES ON MONDAY SUNDAY EVENING INTO MONDAY – 2 SEPARATE CASES YESTERDAY EVENING ANOTHER […]
Over 9,000 Have Registered with GPs Since 2017
Over 9,000 new residents registered with GP surgeries in the island between 2017 and 2020, figures revealed in the Keys show. Onchan MHK Julie Edge asked Minister David Ashford for a breakdown of the number of new residents to register at each surgery and for this to be broken down […]
Test Test Test, Teach Teach Teach
Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson has said his department is confident about the return of students and teachers to schools tomorrow morning. Chief Minister HQ confirmed today that despite the two community cases of Covid-19, the Council of Ministers have decided against new social distancing restrictions or school closures at […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 28th FEB
HQ, DAVID, DR HENNY SORRY FOR CANCELLING ALL OF YOUR SATURDAY PLANS & EVENTS HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WAS HEAVILY IMPACTED YESTERDAY TOO I WANT TO CLARIFY A POINT THAT I MADE YESTERDAY. WHEN I SAID THERE WASN’T SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES WHO CLOSED, I MEANT *NEW* SUPPORT. SALARY SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR […]
A Brief Look at Salmond v Sturgeon
They were once the most powerful partnership in Scottish politics, banishing Labour and the Tories to the political wilderness as the SNP swept the board, but now Alex Salmond could be the man to bring down Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Salmond gave evidence to the parliamentary party on Friday when he […]
Council Takes Precautionary Steps
Douglas Council has confirmed it is taking the following steps following the gov’s Stay At Home guidance issued today. The Eastern Civic Amenity site will be closed Sunday Only residents and essential visitors are permitted to enter sheltered housing complexes. Communal areas are now closed to residents until further notice […]
IOM GOV BRIEFING – 27th FEB
HQ, DAVID, DR HENNY HQ WEEKEND BRIEFING MEANS WE’VE GOTTA GIVE YOU SOME NEWS WE ANNOUNCED AT LUNCHTIME THAT WE HAVE TWO CASES WHICH WE CAN’T LINK TO THE OG CLUSTER. AS WE CAN’T FIND A LINK AT THE MOMENT, WE MUST LOOK AT THE POSSIBILITY OF IT BEING COMMUNITY […]
Centre to be Fully Operational by Feb 2022
Long-held plans for a dedicated on-island service for people who have suffered sexual assault are finally moving forward, with work on a bespoke new facility due to start soon. The service is being phased in over the next 12 months, with full service provision due to be in place by […]
Gov Backs Down In Row Over Steam Packet Crews
The gov has backed down in its row with the Steam Packet over Manx based crews being required to isolate after finishing a shift at sea. It follows what both parties said were ‘constructive talks’ between the gov and the Steam Packet this week. The new arrangements have been approved […]
We Didn’t Flex Mussels with Brussels
Despite reports in some sections of the UK media that the Isle of Man has gone ‘rogue’ over allowing EU vessels to fish in Manx waters, the gov says this is simply not true. The London Economic said the Isle of Man had ‘moved to jettison itself from the UK’s […]
Charity Welcomes Rollout
A diabetic charity has welcomed the announcement by Health Minister David Ashford that the prescription rollout of important technology is underway. This week in Keys, Mr Ashford confirmed that 60 residents have been assessed and offered the Freestyle Libre after the unavoidable delays caused by Covid-19. The Freestyle Libre is […]
Consultation on Capacity Bill
The public are invited to give their views on the island’s first draft Capacity Bill, which aims to enhance the protection of people who are unable to make their own decisions. A consultation which has just gone live offers a further opportunity to help shape a landmark piece of legislation […]
We Feel Let Down by Gov
A member of staff at the Steam Packet has told Gef the crew feel ‘let down’ by the gov and are in ‘disbelief’ to hear they were expected to isolate themselves for the past year. Since we spoke to the crew member, the gov has announced that the Steam Packet’s […]
IOM GOV UPDATE – 23RD FEB
DAVID + HENNY AFTERNOON HOWARD IS WASHING HIS HAIR NUMBERS 7 AWAITING RESULTS 27 ACTIVE CASES 6 NEW CASES IN THE PAST 24HOURS HENNY 25 OF THE 27 CASES ARE LINKED TO THE ONE CLUSTER OTHER 2 ARE RETURNING TRAVELLERS 6 CASES YESTERDAY WERE CLOSE HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS OR CLOSE NON […]
Dial-a-Ride Extended as Investigation Continues
Bus Vannin is continuing its roll out of Dial-a-Ride services despite it still being under investigation for existing services. DoI Minister Tim Baker was asked by Chris Thomas when and how the Dial a Ride Connect trial service was licensed; when the trial was concluded; and what plans he has […]
Sturgeon’s Roadmap
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish Parliament that she plans to lift restrictions gradually, with ‘more substantial’ plans to come from the end of April onwards. Ms Sturgeon said the last week of April should see a ‘phased but significant re-opening of the economy’. She told SMPs […]
One Step Closer to Much Needed Referral Centre
The island is finally to have a dedicated Sexual Assault Referal Centre, once Finch Hill GP surgery moves into its new home. Currently victims of sexual assaults have to travel off island for a full forensic report to be completed. Once Finch Hill moves into the former Chester Street surgery […]
Boris Plans to Open up UK by end of June
Boris Johnson has outlined a roadmap which could see all legal restrictions on social distancing and contacts being lifted by June 21. The PM has told the House of Commons how he plans to reopen the country with plans in place for everything from hair salons to football stadiums and […]
Boris’ Exit Strategy
In news exclusive to every news organisation in Britain, Boris will today announce his plans for England exiting lockdown. Because of the powers of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, his changes will largely only affect England. His plan: March 8 – schools reopening and two people […]
MLP Outlines Spending Priorities
The Manx Labour Party has outlined what it would include in a budget if its members were in a coalition inside Tynwald. The party has released a set of measures, designed to help develop warmer homes, quality affordable social housing, community-owned renewable energy, cleaner air in towns, health and wellbeing, […]
Boris Wants a Roundabout UNDER Isle of Man
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has had some mad ideas in his time, London’s Garden Bridge, the Thames Estuary Airport (Boris Island), Brexit. But according to the Sunday Times, he has gone one further and suggested using the Isle of Man as a roundabout at the centre of a series of […]
Tynwald Written Answers
This week’s Tynwald also saw the return of written questions, here’s a selection of some of the biggest answers from the February sitting. Key Workers From December 1 to January 31, 185 key worker exemptions were granted between five gov departments. Onchan MHK Julie Edge asked the Chief Minister how […]
IOM GOV UPDATE – 19TH FEBRUARY
HQ, DAVID, DR AL AND DR HENNY WELL GOOD EVENING EVERYONE NUMBERS 5 NEW CASES 1 = CREW MEMBER OF STEAM PACKET 4 = ONE CLOSE CONTACT AND THREE CHILDREN CONTACT TRACING CONTINUES ACTIVE CASES 15 VACCINES DON’T SAY YOU’RE HOUSEBOUND IF YOU’RE NOT. IT SLOWS IT DOWN FOR PEOPLE […]
CoMin Decides Against Covid Restrictions
Following a meeting of the Council of Ministers this morning, the gov has decided not to bring in any restrictions at this stage. This follows the emergence of six new cases of Covid-19 on the island in the last 48 hours. Chief Minister HQ said: ‘The situation remains similar to […]