Chief Minister Alf Cannan has again insisted there is “no constitutional problem” following the UK’s rejection of the Assisted Dying Bill.
Responding to follow-up questions in Tynwald, Mr Cannan rejected suggestions the Isle of Man is being “targeted” by the UK Ministry of Justice.
“I agree that there’s no reason to believe the Isle of Man has been inverted commas targeted,” he said. “The delay, of course, has been regrettable, but again, fundamentally, this is a parliamentary matter that needs resolution.”
Lawrie Hooper pressed the Chief Minister on whether government would engage to protect the island’s constitutional independence if Tynwald sends back a Bill the UK still finds unacceptable.
Mr Cannan however said: “I’m not about to speculate what ifs in the future, because I’m sure that each matter would need to be reviewed on its own merits.”
Julie Edge described the situation as “a constitutional embarrassment” and asked for clarity from the Attorney General.
Mr Cannan reiterated that the Ministry of Justice “did not feel they could recommend the Bill for Royal Assent” because matters “must be addressed directly on the face of the Bill in order to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.”
Chris Thomas urged members to treat the issue as a “legislative issue, not a constitutional issue,” noting that standing orders exist to deal with such matters.