Climate change referendum wasn't pragmatic, argues minister

Tynwald members reject Middle MHK Stu Peters' proposal

An MHK who's been calling this week for a referendum on the Isle of Man's Net Zero policy says he's 'disappointed' but 'not surprised' that the idea has been rejected by Tynwald.

A motion brought by Stu Peters called for a vote on the matter to be held alongside the next General Election on 24 September, 2026.

Meanwhile, an amendment from Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber - which removed the referendum proposal and reaffirmed the existing policy approach to net zero - was approved, meaning the referendum will not proceed.

Mr Peters describes that amendment as a 'cop out':

Minister Barber argued that the proposal was not pragmatic, adding climate change is consistently raised as a priority issue by constituents and warned referendums are vulnerable to misinformation:

You can find a detailed report on the debate HERE.