News

Official: Crown Depencies are democratic, self-governing communities with free media and open debate

Following on from the news that the IoM is looking at whether the BBC Licence fee is worth it, the BBC has another Manx and Crown Dependencies related article today.

The relationship between the UK and crown dependencies needs to be clarified, according to a report by the UK’s Justice Committee.  It investigated the relationship and its administration, which is carried out by the Ministry of Justice. The report said it supported the unique constitutional position and independence of the three dependencies; Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. However, it said more needed to be done to foster mutual understanding.

Tony Brown, the Isle of Man Chief Minister, said: “It is particularly helpful that the committee stated, in strong terms, that the UK Government has a duty to represent our interests on the international stage, even when our interests are not the same.” 

Crown’s responsibilities to island:
Ultimate responsibility for “good government”
Ratification of legislation by Royal Assent
International representation
Ensuring the islands meet international obligations
Defence