Eight MHKs failed to support efforts to discuss controversial mandate and operating plan
The chief minister says the 'opportunity has been lost' to discuss concerns over the future of healthcare services on the Isle of Man.
It's after politicians blocked efforts to hold a general debate on the Manx Care Mandate and Operating Plan in Tynwald yesterday (19 March).
Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian had intended to spark discussion on the documents seconded by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan.
However the item did not appear on the Tynwald Order Paper because it had not been on the Register of Business for the required four-week period.
The minister claimed its inclusion had been delayed by only 30 minutes but, under parliamentary rules, this meant that a vote was required to suspend Standing Orders in order to proceed.
Standing Orders set out the rules governing Tynwald proceedings and any suspension requires at least 70 percent support from Members of the House of Keys.
In the vote 14 MHKs backed the suspension while eight opposed it.
The MHKs who voted against it were: Tim Glover, Lawrie Hooper, Sarah Maltby, Jason Moorhouse, Julie Edge, Joney Faragher, Juan Watterson and John Wannenburgh.
Although the Legislative Council supported the move the failure to reach the necessary threshold in the Keys meant the debate could not take place.
A key factor in the opposition came from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper who has tabled a motion for next month’s sitting arguing that the Mandate and Operating Plan are inadequate and would result in unacceptable reductions to services.
His motion calls for the Department of Health and Social Care to revise the plans, ensuring frontline services are not restricted and that NHS services are not replaced with private alternatives.
Speaking in Tynwald Mr Hooper highlighted that his motion was already scheduled for debate in April, telling members: “I’ve tabled this and it’s on the Register of Business so that debate will happen whether you like it or not. So you can either debate it twice or just wait till next month.”
The decision appeared to frustrate Alfred Cannan who was visibly unhappy following the adjournment of Tynwald:
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