Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has today (Friday 27 November 2015) led a senior delegation from the Isle of Man Government attending the 25th British-Irish Council Summit in London.

Mr Bell took part in top-level discussions on a range of issues, including the state of the economy, the effects of the conflict in Syria and international efforts to support refugees in Europe and the Middle East. Ministers also expressed their condolences following the recent attacks in Paris and Mali.

The BIC, established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, is the only international forum comprising the governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. It plays an important role in developing positive links between member countries and provides a platform for consultation and co-operation.

As well as contributing to the Summit’s main agenda at Lancaster House, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to hold discussions with his political counterparts from Jersey and Guernsey on matters of mutual interest.

Mr Bell, who was accompanied by Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Richard Ronan MHK, said: ‘The British-Irish Council allows us to take our place alongside the governments of neighbouring islands to discuss common challenges at the highest level. The additional value lies in the side meetings where we can strengthen personal relationships with the leaders of other countries and highlight the Isle of Man’s position on specific issues.’

He added: ‘During discussions about the economy, I was able to highlight the creation of our ?50million Economic Development Fund to stimulate new investment and jobs. The Isle of Man is entering its fourth decade of continuous growth and I outlined how our success benefits the wider British economy.’

The Chief Minister took his place at the BIC Summit alongside the political leaders of other sovereign governments, devolved administrations and crown dependencies, joining delegations headed by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers (UK), Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Scotland), Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq (Guernsey).

In addition to assessing the current economic situation across member countries, the Council discussed environmental issues and the need to protect our natural resources.

Minister Ronan said: ‘The Isle of Man takes its international responsibilities very seriously and has progressed strategies to reduce carbon emissions and to support biodiversity and our commercial fisheries. It is important to recognise that a good quality natural environment is important to our health, wellbeing and the economy.’

As well as attending the BIC Summit, the Chief Minister used the visit to London to continue the Isle of Man Government’s programme of engagement with key figures in Westminster.

Meetings were held with Lord Faulks, Minister of State for Civil Justice with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies, David Liddington MP, Minister of State at Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Minister for Europe, and Baroness Williams of Trafford, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Communities and Local Government.

The Chief Minister said: ‘It is always useful to spend time on the ground in Westminster to hear first-hand about developments in the UK and Europe. It is important to build an understanding of issues that may affect the Isle of Man to ensure we are well positioned to respond to future developments.’

The official communique from the 25th BIC Summit is available on the BIC website.