IoM Builds On Synergies With UK
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Isle of Man’s Chief Minister Allan Bell recently held high-level talks with individuals from the United Kingdom government on further enhancing the two territories' strong business and political relationship.

At meetings in London, Bell - accompanied by other Isle of Man government officials - held ‘positive’ discussions with Lord McNally, the UK’s Minister of State for Justice; David Wootton, the Mayor of London; and Mark Field, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster.

Commenting on progress made during the meetings, held on December 6-7, 2011, Bell said: “The Isle of Man is an important trading partner of the UK and we share the same vision of growing our economies in a balanced and sustainable way. These are challenging times for all nations, but there are also opportunities and by working together the Isle of Man and UK can explore areas of mutual benefit.”

On his meeting with McNally, Bell explained that the Ministry of Justice has a crucial role to play in representing the Crown Dependencies. According to Bell, discussions with McNally focused on increasing awareness of the island’s constitutional position.

“The island enjoys a strong partnership with the Ministry of Justice and many Whitehall Departments,” Bell continued. “Lord McNally knows the Isle of Man very well and it was helpful to have the opportunity to discuss various issues and share our respective positions. Whilst we have faced some challenges together, it is my intention that we should now focus our energies on dealing with current and future opportunities.”

At his second meeting, Bell discussed with Wootton the Isle of Man's contribution to the City of London, and its value to the North West of England. As well as accepting an invitation to visit the Isle of Man in January, Wootton discussed with Bell the Isle of Man’s work in the North West and vowed to work cooperatively with the Isle of Man government on issues of common interest.

Bell discussed the current crisis in the eurozone and its implications for the world economy with Field, who has previously spoken out in defence of offshore financial centres’ contribution to the global economy, and to the UK.

“The Isle of Man is a small but important part of the international community and we must remain vigilant to the changing economic landscape," Bell said. "Field is a good friend of the island and it was interesting to hear his views on the current situation. The meetings in London were very beneficial. I will continue to engage positively with my counterparts in the UK to promote new business opportunities and to ensure that the island is recognised as a country that is internationally responsible, enterprising and supportive of the British economy.”