Chief Insists Island Supports Rule of Law

The Chief Minister has refuted claims that there has been any failure to support the Rule of Law.

Alf Cannan has responded to the Green Party relating to the on going conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Green Party sent a letter to the Chief Minster requesting him to make a statement “decrying the death and destruction in Gaza and calling for Israel to comply with the order of the ICJ in the ICJ Judgment”.

It also asked him to write to the UK’s Ministry for Justice “to inform the UK Government (in its constitutional role as representative of the Isle of Man in the international sphere) of the Isle of Man’s concerns as to death and destruction in Gaza”.

This follows a statement by Jersey’s chief minister and Ireland’s Taoiseach.

Green Party Wants

On June 13, the Green Party recalled Section 6A(2) of the Council of Ministers Act 1990: The duty of the Council of Ministers in upholding the constitutional principle of the rule of law.

As well as, the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) (26 January 2024) Case No. 192 (International Court of Justice) (“the ICJ Judgment”).

Mr Cannan wrote: “Our constitutional relationship with the UK is such that we rely upon it to execute its own foreign policy, and to deploy its own armed forces, on our behalf.

“I do not accept that there has been any failure on the part of the island authorities to support constitutional principle of the Rule of Law which is a matter I and the Council of Ministers treat seriously.

Debate

“I draw your attention that Tynwald debated the conflict in April 2024 and unanimously expressed condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel (7 October 2023) as well as the killing of innocent civilians on both sides and called upon Israel to conduct military operations in accordance with international law.

He added: “Naturally I am deeply concerned at the tragic loss of life that has taken placed on all sides in the region, and trust that the UK Government will continue to work with the UN and its international partners to bring and end to the hostilities.”

Mr Cannan’s full response can be found below: