A report into the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man has not only underlined the Island's independence but also the need for the UK to remember just that.

The study, under the chairmanship of Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith came partly out of the confusion resulting from the Icelandic banking crisis.

But it has reaffirmed the right of the Island to expect the UK to represent Manx interests, as a duty.

John Moss has more (text below, from attached audio file):

This may well follow Edwards and Foot as documents the Manx can refer to regularly and with confidence.

It stresses that clearer guidance should be given by the Ministry of Justice to other UK government departments dealing with the Crown dependencies, to make clear the constitutional position.

The reports says: 'We consider that the Crown dependencies are democratic, self governing communities with free media and open debate' and this independence is only to be set aside 'in the most serious circumstances'.

It also criticises the UK government in the way, when scrutinizing legislation prior to Royal Assent, UK government lawyers were questioning the form and policy content of insular legislation in relation to domestic matters, and not just the constituional position.

The report says such action is inappropriate.

It says: 'It's the duty of the UK government to represent the interests of the Crown dependencies faithfully' and repeats that this is a duty and not an option.

This is a reaffirmation of the independent position of the Crown dependencies and, what's more, the UK government has a clear warning against encroachment on that position.