Tynwald backs Sea Services Agreement

Robertshaw amendment defeated

Tynwald has approved the Heads of Terms of the Sea Services Agreement, which will guide the Steam Packet under public ownership.

An amendment put forward by Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw asked for a full, final, legally-binding agreement to be brought back for Tynwald approval was largely rejected.

He was concerned members would otherwise be approving the key aspects of the agreement only, resulting in a 'half-baked approach'.

But he didn't do enough to convince them that was the case, as his amendment was roundly beaten.

Whilst summing up, Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer gave members assurances about the Heads of Terms and what members were voting for today.