Bid to extend Manx territorial waters to the median line scrapped

Government concludes 'no benefit in pursuing matter;

A bid to extend Manx territorial waters to the median line between the Island and the UK is no longer being pursued by government.

Paul Craine MLC, who presented a petition to Tynwald in the names of Keith Kerruish from Ramsey and Philip Craine of Douglas at the end of 2024, told Manx Radio government has concluded there's no benefit in pursuing the matter at this stage.

The petition, which urged the Manx Government to open discussions with the UK, was supported by Tynwald.

In its formal response the then Conservative government, through Lord Ponsonby at the Ministry of Justice, made it clear they were not prepared to enter discussions with the Island about a territorial waters extension.

The response was not wholly unexpected.

During the Tynwald debate Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan, tabled an amendment that the petition presented by Mr Craine be noted, given that previous, similar approaches to the UK had been unsuccessful, and efforts be focused on maximising the Island's existing territorial seas.

Despite support from the Council of Ministers, his amendment failed.