Chief Minister welcomes UK parliamentary report

A UK parliamentary report which recommends closer links between the crown dependencies and the Commonwealth has been welcomed by government.

The House of Common’s Foreign Affairs Committee says there are substantial arguments in favour of stronger connections following an inquiry into the future of the Commonwealth.

The Isle of Man is not a full member of the Commonwealth but the UK’s membership is taken to include the Island and other crown dependencies and overseas territories.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says the Island is an active supporter of Commonwealth initiatives and a closer connection would be a welcome further development of the Island’s international relationships.