Debate on Island Plan halted by Tynwald vote

Eight MHKs vote against discussing vision document

MHKs have refused to consider the new Island Plan at this month’s sitting of Tynwald.

It had been listed as part of the supplementary order paper, published on Friday.

Due to the fact it had missed the deadline for inclusion at this sitting, members needed to vote in favour of suspending standing orders.

That would have allowed debate on the document which sets out the government’s vision for the next five years.

However eight MHKs refused to support that move and the motion failed.

It means the document is expected to be discussed at either the February or March sitting instead.

Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan, says he's 'surprised' eight members of the House of Keys voted against suspending standing orders to allow the plan to be debated.

However, he adds he accepts "the overriding message that they felt they did not have enough time to read the plan in the five days since publication."

Mr Cannan also states: "We will now bring the plan back to Tynwald as appropriate, but in the meantime we will get on with the work that this plan seeks to address".