A SITTING of the Keys is to feature in BBC2 Scotland’s Newsnight Scotland.
Proceedings were filmed for the late-night political programme when BBC2 Scotland journalist Ian Hamilton and a camera crew spent two days here preparing a report into the functioning of parliamentary democracy in the island, against a background of discussions in Scotland on devolution.
Mr Hamilton, who interviewed Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK and Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan, explained: ‘It has been suggested the Isle of Man is a good example of “devo max”, consequently an alternative to independence. We have been looking at other examples around the world but here there could be one on our doorstep.’
Mr Rodan said: ‘We were pleased to assist Mr Hamilton in the making of his report and welcomed the opportunity to offer a wider audience access to a sitting of the House of Keys and, by so doing, help illustrate parliamentary democracy in action in the Isle of Man.’
Meanwhile, Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips has returned from an EU-funded mission to Namibia, Africa, where he was assisting the republic’s parliament on legislative scrutiny relating to poverty reduction strategies.
Mr Phillips, together with ex-House of Commons colleague Alan Sandall, was commissioned to work on the parliamentary oversight project as part of an EU-funded poverty reduction programme in Namibia, where the economy is heavily reliant on subsistence farming and livestock husbandry.
He explained: ‘The main focus of the work was to adapt the standing rules and orders to better reflect modern-day parliament and improve working practices.’ Mr Phillips will return to Namibia to lead an all-party seminar in the National Assembly chamber.