Attending party conferences in the United Kingdom helps the Island build key relationships and understand the changing political landscape amongst its neighbours, says Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK.

Mr Bell has led Isle of Man Government delegations to three party conferences this autumn – Labour, Conservative and most recently the Scottish National Party conference in Aberdeen.

‘It’s been a particularly busy few weeks’, he said, ‘but attending party conferences is very helpful to understanding the shifting sands of the British political landscape and making sure that the Isle of Man is well positioned in terms of future developments.’

The Chief Minister was accompanied in Aberdeen by the Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK. A series of meetings with key SNP figures included a discussion with the party leader Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland.

‘We have a strong relationship with the SNP, developed through the British Irish Council in particular, and I have a good personal relationship with Nicola Sturgeon’, said Mr Bell, ‘I spent some time talking to Nicola at the conference about areas where our two countries could co-operate.’

Meetings were also held with Angus Robertson MP, SNP Westminster Group Leader Stewart Hosie MP, Deputy Leader of the SNP and Deputy Leader Westminster Group Leader.

He continued: ‘The SNP presence is an important part of the new dynamic at Westminster so we need good relations with the party leadership to understand its policy development and priorities, and where the party is heading.’

Photo - The Chief Minister with Nicola Sturgeon.