Brexit scenario for Crown Dependencies raised

The Isle of Man’s position in the event of a Brexit is no clearer this week – after questions in the UK parliament.

Romford’s Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell asked two questions in the House of Commons about the Crown dependencies and the UK’s impending referendum on EU membership.

He wanted to know whether the Isle of Man and Channel Islands would be consulted and their views represented if Britain voted to leave.

And he also asked what would be done to protect the Island’s EU status under Protocol 3 of the 1972 membership treaty in the event of a Brexit.

Mr Rosindell, the chair of the All-Party Group with interest in the Crown Dependencies, asked the questions on Thursday.

In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab MP pointed out both the Channel Islands and Isle of Man enjoy special arrangements for access to Europe, through the UK’s membership.

He pointed out the UK had negotiated a new deal at February’s European Council.

And he added the UK government's position had been set out by Prime Minister David Cameron in the House of Commons after that deal was announced.