The Isle of Man Government is working to finalise its long-awaited external relations strategy.
The strategy, first proposed in 2023, has faced delays due to leadership changes and evolving UK political dynamics, but the Chief Minister says it should go to CoMin “imminently”.
Chris Brannigan, Director of External Relations, acknowledged the draft document is currently “more of a plan than a strategy” but said refinement is underway.
“It describes more of what we think we want to do,” Mr Brannigan told the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee. “What it would benefit from is some refinement over the alignment of activities that run across the whole of government.”
The strategy aims to synchronise the Isle of Man’s diplomatic, economic and political objectives.
Mr Brannigan added: “In an era where naked national self-interest is coming to the fore, understanding what that national interest might be, and how we can all work toward it, is a piece of work that’s ongoing.”
New Government
Addressing the committee, Alf Cannan emphasised the importance of strong ties with the UK, particularly after the 2024 general election brought a new Labour government.
He said: “I was, I guess, somewhat nervous before the election as to how that change of government would would be received in terms of the relationship between the UK Government and the Crown Dependencies and the Isle of Man.”
However, Mr Cannan added that the relationship has been “courteous, and I would say workman like and very professional. So, so far, so good.”
A key concern remains trade negotiations, where the Isle of Man has sought inclusion in UK free trade deals.
While the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) included the Island for goods, services were infamously excluded, a gap the government hopes to address in future agreements.
Manx Muscles in Brussels
The Isle of Man’s Brussels office, costing around £80,000-£90,000 annually, remains active despite Brexit. Mr Brannigan defended its value:
“Our representative is extraordinarily well connected”,, he said. “His ability to exercise judgement and engagement through direct face-to-face engagement has value in itself.”
Discussions continue over whether the Isle of Man should establish a permanent London office, an idea supported by UK House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.
Mr Cannan acknowledged the potential benefits but cited cost concerns: “We would not be short of a few hundred thousand pounds in terms of that investment for an office.”
Looking Ahead
With the external relations strategy nearing completion, Mr Brannigan stressed the need for long-term planning, Mr Cannan added that while the strategy’s delay was not ideal, the Isle of Man’s diplomatic efforts have not stalled.
He said: “Just because there hasn’t been a strategy in writing… there are demonstrable, clear evidence of progress in how we have represented the island.”
The government aims to present the finalised strategy within the next three months.
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