The UK politician who’s responsible for Westminster’s relationship with the Isle of Man is starting a two-day visit today.
Lord Faulks, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, will discuss the relationship between the UK and the Isle of Man with members of the island’s government during his visit.
Lord Faulks, who has never visited the island before, said: ‘The UK Government values its historical relationship with the Isle of Man and takes its responsibilities towards the island very seriously.
‘Earlier this month the Ministry of Justice celebrated this strong relationship by flying the Manx flag on Tynwald Day and I am delighted to follow that up with my first visit to the island in an official capacity.
‘The Chief Minister and I have met previously in London. Earlier this year I was pleased to welcome the Isle of Man delegation, led by the Treasury Minister, Eddie Teare, and the Acting Attorney General to London for the Global Law Summit so that together we could raise the profile of the Isle of Man not just in the UK, but internationally.
‘I am here this week to learn more about the issues that are of importance to the Isle of Man so that I can better fulfil my responsibilities managing the constitutional relationship between the UK and the island.”
Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: ‘Maintaining a sound relationship with the United Kingdom is important for the Isle of Man and I am pleased that there is now a good level of mutual understanding between our two governments.
‘This is a result of our programme of constructive engagement with Whitehall and Westminster, to explain what the Island is all about, but it also reflects the support and assistance we have received from the Ministry of Justice, which is much appreciated.
‘I look forward to welcoming Lord Faulks and hope the visit will give him further insights into how the Isle of Man is developing a dynamic economy while supporting international standards of business regulation.’
While in the Isle of Man, Lord Faulks will stay at Government House, where the Lieutenant Governor will host dinner with island dignitaries on Thursday evening.
The Minister will hold key meetings with the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. He will also visit on the President of Tynwald and take a tour of the Tynwald Chamber.
Lord Faulks will also visit the Department of Economic Development and of the Financial Supervision Commission, as well as several Island businesses. The Minister will take up a variety of opportunities to learn more about issues important to the Isle of Man to better represent these interests in the UK.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for managing the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Crown Dependencies.
Lord Faulks was appointed Minister of State for Justice in December 2013, and took up the post on January 20, 2014. He is a Conservative member of the House of Lords.
The last minister of justice to visit the Isle of Man was on Tynwald Day in July 2014 when the then Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, visited.