Community
Planning to Petition Tynwald?
If you’re planning to hand in a petition, let us know at hello@gef.im.
Like the right to be served a full pint, the right to petition Tynwald is something that is open to anyone and everyone who calls this island home.
However, there are rules around this sort of thing and the Clerk of Tynwald has produced a doc to help with that.
Essentially there are two ways to petition Tynwald, one is a public petition which can be presented by a member at any of the monthly sittings.
The other, which is what we’re focussing on here, is a petition of redress, aka the ‘Tynwald Hill Petition’ which can person can present to members and the Governor on Tynwald Day.
Thinking to have existed since at least 1691, the act of Manxies giving petitions to Tynwald had ceased by the start of the 20th century before seeing a rebirth in 1957 when written rules were introduced.
The modern procedure cannot generally be used in relation to any specific case which could be adjudicated on by a court, but can be used to draw Tynwald’s attention to a matter of public interest about which the petitioner thinks Tynwald should do something.
Before 2023 there was an expectation that a Petition brought to Tynwald Hill would normally seek redress for an alleged or perceived grievance which had affected at least one of the petitioners. This expectation was removed in May 2023. As a result you may petition Tynwald on any matter of public interest, whether or not you have a personal interest.
There’s a lot of info here, so we’re break it down a tad, but feel free to check out this link too.
Who?
Any person.
Signatures?
You only need your own, but it’s always good to show you have support.
Preparation?
Contact the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office. It isn’t absolutely necessary, but doing so means it is less like that your petition will be found to be out of order.
What?
Standing Order 6.1(8) requires that every Petition must contain a prayer. It doesn’t mean that you need to get down on your knees and start talking to Jesus, rather it means somewhat that you would like Tynwald to do.
For example, Butch Buttery wanted Tynwald to set up a committee to look at footpaths, which it did.
The Day
You should give notice in advance of your intention to present a petition by contacting the Clerk of Tynwald before Tynwald Day so that the Clerk can brief the ushers and security guards, and make any special arrangements which may be necessary, for example if you have impaired mobility. Giving advance notice is not obligatory but it is strongly recommended.
On the day, you have a quick chinwag with the Clerk, head into the Grandstand and head to the hill when called.
Media
Now if you have a petition that you’d like to see acted on, it helps to have as much coverage as possible. As such, it is really helpful for us if you email hello@gef.im before the day so we can chat about your petition in advance. Alternatively, just chat to us on the day, either on or off camera and we’ll put together a piece.
