PRESIDENT of Tynwald Clare Christian MLC has welcomed the news sons and daughters will be given equal rights to succeed to the Crown.

Changes to the law governing the rights to succession were unanimously approved by leaders of the 16 Commonwealth countries where the Queen is Head of State at their summit in Perth, Australia, on Friday.

At the moment the throne is passed to the first born male even if they have older sisters. 

This will change when the law is altered in the UK.

Mrs Christian, who also shares joint presidency of the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association with the Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan MHK, said: "I welcome this reform approved by the leaders of the Commonwealth, a body historically responsive to embracing change.

"This move reflects recognition of gender equality and the greater role women play in modern day society across the Commonwealth which, this year, has as its theme: 'Women as Agents of Change'.

"Importantly, for the Isle of Man, these changes to the law mark a turning point in terms of determining, in the future, the right of succession to the title Lord of Mann."