When Tynwald sits tomorrow, there will be many subjects that catch the imagination of islanders, but one of them does that perhaps more than several others.
It isn’t a government motion or a backbencher’s question, but a motion from Middle MHK Stu Peters that threatens to grab all the headlines.
Mr Peters will bring forward a motion calling for a referendum on whether to “abandon or to continue with the policy of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions as laid out within the Climate Change Act 2021”.
He has argued, in an interview with Manx.News you can see below, that this is not about climate change as much as it is giving the public a fresh say on what support there is for what is a far reaching piece of legislation.
Election
Mr Peters has suggested that the simplest way to hold a referendum would be during next year’s general election.
He said it should be possible to add a line to the ballot paper: “do you agree with government’s policies as far as and spending, as far as Net Zero is concerned? Yes, no, simple as that”.
He said: “This is about democracy and letting people have a say and finding out what people really think about it.”
Mr Peters also believes public opinion has shifted, saying, “if you ask the same 100 people now, do you agree with the government’s plot as far as climate change is concerned, I think that probably less than 50% of people would say yes”.
Opposition
There is no doubt that the motion will seek some opposition, it will also be interesting to see if CoMin takes on a collective position or ministers vote in different directions.
It will also be interesting to see what amendments come when the motion is debated.
Included in this opposition, though with only one member in Tynwald, Rob Mercer MLC, the Isle of Man Green Party has said it opposes the motion entirely.
It said: “the net-zero target gives clear direction to government departments, public bodies, local authorities and businesses”.
The party added: “Our net-zero policy provides certainty about the island’s direction. Removing it signals uncertainty.
“For a small island that relies on its reputation — for its environment, its stability, its Biosphere identity and its attractiveness to business — that uncertainty is a real risk. It makes long-term investment less likely and undermines confidence in our planning.”
It also doubts whether, if the Climate Change Act, was to be repealed, royal assent would be granted, acknowledging that this would create a constitutional crisis for the and its relationship with the adjacent isle.
Interesting
Personally I’m looking forward to this debate just to see what happens. I think the CCA is actually quite like GDPR, fundamentally a good thing, but a handy excuse when people want to do or prevent something.
Given the recent exchanges in Tynwald have repeatedly descended into playground squabbling, it’ll be fascinating to see how this plays out over the coming days.
If I was to be bold, I would suggest an amendment for some form of public engagement short of a referendum may be coming down the way, if it doesn’t, my crystal ball suggest a rejection is the most probable outcome.