News

This man fought for Britain and can no longer visit.

Ian Corlett was a teenage soldier in the Parachute Regiment when he fought in the Far East in the last years of the Second World War.
Decorated with the War Medal, the Defence Medal and General Service Medal, Ian is one of only four surviving members of the Island’s Parachute Regiment Association who saw active service in the war.
Now he is going into battle again, after discovering that he may not get travel-health insurance when the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man ends on March 31.
Until now, he had travelled to England at least once a year to visit relatives and the graves of his late wife Doreen’s parents, but fears he could be left stranded as his health will preclude him getting insurance cover.  He said: ‘I’ve tried getting insurance but I can’t get it. I’ve problems with blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. They won’t touch me.’

‘After all we’ve done for the British, this is how we’re treated. Our soldiers fought for King and Country, the Steam Packet lost three ships at Dunkirk, our hotels were taken over for internment and we had three air bases here,‘ he said.

Campaigners fear Ian’s experience will be mirrored by hundreds of other people in the Island. Manx servicemen and women, including those currently risking their lives in Afghanistan, could be charged for healthcare in the UK when they leave the Forces as those with military pensions are not exempt from charges.  Here.
See post below for link to 10 Downing Street Petition.