Helen Helfrich discusses the importance of monitoring and contributing to developments in legislation

In terms of encouraging its residents to participate in Island politics, historically the Isle of Man has blazed a trail, with – 

• Tynwald being the first national parliament to give women the vote in 1881; and
• the Isle of Man becoming the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to extend the right to vote in national elections to 16 and 17-year-olds in 2006.

This, together with the accessibility of our politicians and initiatives such as the Isle of Man Conference 2022[1], should encourage us, not only to cast our votes every 5 years, but also to –

• maintain an interest in the activities of the “Isle of Man Government”, Tynwald, the House of Keys and Legislative Council;  
• ensure that we know when, where and to whom we can give feedback and make suggestions regarding the Government’s policies and the Island’s legislation; and
• feel confident that our contributions will be welcomed.

For those of us with an interest in legislation, the Tynwald website[2] is a mine of useful information, including the Register of Business, the list of Bills in progress and the Order Papers for forthcoming sittings of the Branches.

The legislation which the Government has committed to introducing this year, is included in the Legislative Programme, which is part of the Island Plan[3]. The first sitting of Tynwald, after the summer recess starts on 18 October, with the first sittings of each of the House of Keys and Legislative Council, a week later.

If you would like –

• an analysis of an aspect of the Island’s legislation and what it means for you;
• a comparison between the legislation of the Island and another jurisdiction;
• advice regarding parliamentary procedure, in particular the introduction of legislation and the times at which an amendment to a Bill can be moved;
• advice or drafting services in relation to new legislation or amendments to existing legislation; or
• advice regarding the manner in which a public function is being or has been carried out,

our Administrative and Public Law Unit would be pleased to assist.

Please contact Helen Helfrich on 651951 or hhelfrich@humphreyandhelfrich.com

[1] Have your say at the 2022 Isle of Man Government Conference this September | September 2022 (iomchamber.org.im)

[2] Tynwald – Parliament of the Isle of Man – Welcome

[3] iom-government-our-island-plan-a4-printable-version.pdf