European Union (Withdrawal) Bill 2018 - Brexit

Overview

The Isle of Man is not a member of the European Union but it does have a limited relationship with the EU through the United Kingdom under Protocol 3 to the Treaty of Accession by which the UK became a Member State on 1 January 1973.

The Island’s Protocol 3 relationship with the EU has largely been given effect in Manx law by the European Communities (Isle of Man) Act 1973 ('the 1973 Act'). Under the 1973 Act, in areas that are covered by Protocol 3, significant amounts of EU legislation apply directly and automatically to the Island, particularly in respect of:

• agriculture and fisheries matters
• customs matters
• trade in goods between the Island and the EU

Other Manx legislation has been developed to take account of EU obligations that apply to Island or to take account of the Protocol 3 relationship or the fact that the UK is an EU Member State.

The Isle of Man Government must be able to deal with the significant legal consequences for the Island of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. The UK’s membership of the EU is due to come to an end on 29 March 2019.

The Island’s proposed European Union (Withdrawal) Bill:

• Deals with the repeal of the 1973 Act, the preservation (subject to modification) of EU instruments which fall within the scope of Protocol 3, saves existing statutory documents made under the 1973 Act and continues to allow EU instruments to be voluntarily applied to, or implemented in, the Island where useful to do so
   
• Makes provision by way of enabling powers for effect to be given to the Withdrawal Agreement (which will include the provisions governing the Implementation Period during which, it is proposed, Protocol 3 will in effect remain in place) in Manx law, so far as possible
   
• Provides enabling powers to allow for continued effect to be given to certain international agreements which currently apply to the Isle of Man by virtue of Protocol 3, or which may be extended to the Island in the future, including certain WTO and free trade agreements

Why your views matter

Views on the draft Bill are now sought from:

• members of the public
• Members of Tynwald
• businesses and organisations

What happens next

We will examine the replies to the consultation and publish a review of the responses. The Bill will be finalised and introduced into the House of Keys.