Tynwald briefed on meeting with Burnham

The chief minister has confirmed to Tynwald the Reciprocal Health Agreement with the United Kingdom will end on March 31.

Tony Brown made a statement to the court at the start of today's sitting, briefing members on the outcome of yesterday's meeting with the UK Health Secretary Andy Burnham.

Mr Brown and Health Minister Eddie Teare had said they would be putting the Island's stance forward in the 'strongest possible terms', in the hope the UK could be persuaded to alter or defer its decision.

Tynwald was told Mr Burnham had been understanding of the Island's position, but made it very clear it was now the firm policy of his government not to fund the cost of healthcare of Isle of Man residents visiting the United Kingdom, or those of UK residents travelling outside the country: