The Isle of Man Government will continue to develop its relationship with the Labour Party as a new era begins under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn MP.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK this week led a senior Isle of Man Government delegation to Labour’s autumn conference in Brighton. He was accompanied by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle MHK as part of the Island’s programme of proactive engagement with the UK’s main political parties.

Mr Bell had a productive one-to-one meeting with Mr Corbyn and the Island Ministers were in the audience as the new Labour leader outlined his vision for the future of the Party and his aspirations for a fairer society.

During the conference, the Isle of Man delegation held a series of informal discussions with key members of the shadow cabinet and senior policy advisors. These included Tom Watson, Deputy Leader, John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and Angela Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Further meetings took place with MPs Yvette Cooper, Dan Jarvis, Andy Slaughter, Heidi Alexander, Stephen Kinnock and Debbie Abrahams, as well as John Longworth, Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce, and economist Richard Murphy.

The Chief Minister said: ‘It is important for the Isle of Man Government to be represented at the autumn conferences, not only to strengthen our relationships with the UK’s main parties but also to get a feel for the prevailing mood music in British politics. The political landscape has changed dramatically since the UK General Election and we need to keep on top of developments.’

He added: ‘Labour is clearly moving into a new era under Mr Corbyn’s leadership, which means a different dynamic of power and influence. I had a useful introductory meeting with Mr Corbyn and was able to raise awareness of the Isle of Man and our positive contribution to the UK and wider international community. It is vital that we maintain our dialogue with the Labour Party, so that the Isle of Man can continue to deliver its message to the right people in the right places.’

In addition to meeting Mr Corbyn and senior members of his shadow cabinet, the Chief Minister and Ministers Teare and Quayle attended conference events focusing on the economy, financial regulation and UK health services.

Minister Teare said: ‘The Isle of Man was very well received at the conference and we were able to deliver a strong message – that we are an enterprising, open and responsible country that plays a key role in supporting the British economy.’

Minister Quayle added: ‘The Isle of Man is facing similar issues to the UK and it was useful to gain an insight into the Labour Party’s ideas for securing the future of the National Health Service.’

The Isle of Man Government will also be represented at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester and the Scottish National Party conference in Aberdeen.