Continuing work to prepare and position the Isle of Man for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is explained in the Council of Ministers’ third interim report on the implications of Brexit, published yesterday (Monday December 12, 2016).

The report provides updated information from the EU Advisory Group, made up of senior officers from across Government, which was set up immediately after the UK Referendum.

In a foreword to the document, Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK comments that Brexit is an international event beyond the Island’s control, adding ‘but we must ensure that we respond appropriately.’

He goes on: ‘We want to continue to be able to trade with the EU, to minimise the potential risks flowing from Brexit, and make the most of any opportunities which arise.

‘But we must acknowledge that the shape of our new relationship with Europe will rest upon what the UK can secure for itself, and for now it is very difficult to determine what that relationship will be.’

The Chief Minister concludes: ‘The UK is still formulating its negotiating position. We are in dialogue with UK Government politicians and officers to ensure that the impact of Brexit for the Island, and the possible future scenarios, are understood. But whatever the new relationship between the UK and the EU, the Isle of Man’s relationship with the UK will remain the same.’

The Council of Ministers third interim report ‘UK Referendum on EU Membership – Implications for the Isle of Man’ can be found on the Isle of Man Government website at:

https://www.gov.im/media/1354541/third-interim-report-on-the-uk-referendum-on-eu-membership.pdf