'Virtual' Tynwald to meet in lockdown today

Covid response under scrutiny spotlight

Tynwald will meet today (19 Jan) for the first time this year, with members to debate virtually due to lockdown restrictions.

The sitting is set to include debates over the government's coronavirus response, housing and grandparents' rights.

With the Legislative Buildings closed, MHKs and MLCs will speak and vote over Microsoft Teams, in a way not seen since lockdown last year.

The majority of questions focus on Covid, including the rollout of vaccines, genomics testing, and bed capacity at Noble's Hospital.

Elsewhere, members will ask about a rise in domestic abuse cases over lockdown, the role of the 'Justice' minister, and for an update on a new deal with Manx Gas.

Following questions, Tynwald will vote on a cannabis licensing regime, an internal restructure in the education department, and more.

You can listen to the sitting, which starts at 10:30am, on Manx Radio's 1368 AM frequency and online at manxradio.com.