Politics
Uk Assurances After Trade Deal Snub
With Alf Force One in London, Gef has but one question, how did he manage to get there?
The Chief has been in London this week, where a UK minister has given assurances over engaging with the Manx gov.
In May, Alf Cannan joined his Channel Island counterparts in expressing his disappointment that the UK had failed to represent us in trade talks.
While in London, Mr Cannan met Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston MP and the Lord Mayor of London Nicholas Lyons.
During a sitting of the Justice Committee at Westminster in May, the committee heard that the UK had not only failed to properly communicate while agreeing to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, but the Crown Dependencies had to ask the Canadians what was going on.
Mr Huddleston strongly underlined his commitment to regular engagement with Manx ministers and ongoing candour about the UK Government position and trade priorities.
The Chief said: ‘It is vital that the Isle of Man continues to focus on exploring new markets, as well as cementing relationships with existing ones. I was able to stress to the UK Trade Minister our continued interest in participating in the UK’s Free Trade Agreements to the fullest extent possible, and the Minister was able to set out the UK’s current priorities, for ongoing and future trade negotiations.
‘I was very pleased to meet the Lord Mayor of London, Rt Hon Nicholas Lyons, and to reinforce the message that the Isle of Man is a key partner of the City of London, and that we make a contribution to the UK economy through the funds that Isle of Man financial institutions channel to and through the City of London.’
Party Time
The Chief Minister also attended a reception at the Irish Embassy and met with Andrew Selous MP, who is vice-chair of the UK/South Africa All Party Parliamentary Group, as well as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to South Africa.
He said: ‘I was able to discuss plans for enhanced links with Ireland with the Irish Ambassador, building on the political links that we have established through our membership of the British-Irish Council.
‘Andrew Selous was particularly interested in work the Isle of Man Government has been undertaking alongside the local South African business community and was able to provide some sound advice on the broader picture in terms of trade with South Arica, and indeed Africa as a whole.’
With Alf Force One in London, Gef has but one question, how did he manage to get there?
The Chief Minister met a series of senior political figures in London on Tuesday, including the Minister for International Trade @HuddlestonNigel and the Lord Mayor of London Rt Hon Nicholas Lyons. pic.twitter.com/VsRIek1XFS
— Isle of Man Chief Minister (@iomcm) July 12, 2023
