A Manx Brexit: What does it all mean for the Isle of Man?

"Whichever way you throw it, it will stand".

That’s the Manx motto, corresponding with the triskelion flag of three legs, which proudly flies all around the Isle of Man.

It is also the quote the Chief Minister, Howard Quayle, has continually used to describe how the Isle of Man Government has been preparing for Brexit.

Loosely translating to, “whatever happens, we’ll go along with it”.

Which in many ways is all the Isle of Man can do, given its lack of involvement in the Brexit process up to this point.

The Isle of Man is not part of the European Union, or the UK for that matter.

It is a crown dependency meaning it can pass its own legislation, but still has to gain royal assent from the British monarchy.

In relation to Brexit, people living on the Island did not get to vote in the EU referendum.

The Isle of Man does not exchange any money to the European Union or have any representation in the European Parliament.

The only relation the Island has to the EU is set out in Protocol 3 to the UK’s Act of Accession, which allows the Island to be part of the EU Customs area - but this will now change.

A new settlement is expected to be drawn up between the UK and the EU during the transition period and according to the government, the Isle of Man will be included in that outcome.

In the ‘Brexit Guide’ issued by the Isle of Man Government a no-deal Brexit will have a direct impact on:

• Those who make and sell goods to EU countries.

• People living in the Isle of Man who originate from EU countries, who can apply for ‘settled status’.

• Those who employ workers who may find a reduction in the ‘pool of talent’ to draw from.

• Residents of the Isle of Man wishing to travel to EU countries.

But what that impact will look like, or how much of an effect it will have remains uncertain as we enter the transition period.

Relationship with the UK

Given the Isle of Man’s independent status, a large amount of time has been spent working on the relationship with the UK.

The majority of trade and travel comes from the UK and it is arguably more important to keep that relationship stronger than any connection with the EU.

To take one example, the Island relies on the UK for its medical supplies and the uncertainty around stock has been a leading discussion between both governments.

Manx residents rely on the UK NHS supply chain for medicines and medical devices.

However, the Chief Minister has said ties with the UK are set to be unchanged during the transition period, as the Isle of Man Government has remained in close talks with UK ministers.

Boris Johnson has certainly expressed his interest in the Isle of Man in the past, albeit not being entirely aligned with the facts.

As we approach what will mark the official date the UK leaves the EU, the divisions seen in the UK tend to be far less prominent in the Isle of Man.

After not being included in the referendum, the majority of people living around the Island are just carrying on as usual, but watching closely from afar.

In our most recent interview, the Chief Minister described the start of the transition period as “business as usual”.

Fundamentally, whatever Boris Johnson negotiates this year, the significance on the Isle of Man will be minimal compared to the UK.

Without any influence in the EU negotiations, the Isle of Man is waiting on the Prime Minister’s deal to determine in what way the Island may have to change following the UK’s departure.

So ultimately, whichever way he throws the Manx people, they will simply have to stand.