Manx Newscast

"Hear us out": Campaigners to speak to Tynwald members after UK social media ban

A group calling for restrictions on social media for under-16s will meet with Tynwald members next week. Yesterday (15 June) the UK announced a which will restrict young peoples' access to apps including TikTok and Snapchat from next year. You can find out more HERE [https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/big-discussions-to-be-had-over-whether-isle-of-man-follows-uk-style-social-media-ban/]. The Island’s education minister says there are 'discussions to be had' but there's no indication yet if the Isle of Man will follow suit. John Bolton is a member of the 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' group and aligns with the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign in the UK.

Hopes Island will have homelessness legislation by March 2027

Today (16 June) our Island's politicians will gather for the penultimate sitting of Tynwald before this year's General Election. Amongst the topics set to be discussed at the June sitting of the court is that of homelessness. It follows a consultation designed to help develop legislation to prevent and address the problem on the Isle of Man. It's hoped a draft bill can be brought to the Island's parliament by March 2027. Siobhán Fletcher has been speaking to MLC Kirstie Morphet and Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford.

Former MHK accuses chief minister of 'belittling' parliament

A former MHK has accused the chief minister of publicly belittling and demeaning the Manx parliament during the debate over the Assisted Dying Bill. Quintin Gill, who represented Rushen between 2001 and 2011, has sent an open letter to Alfred Cannan, claiming the Ayre & Michael MHK's behaviour has been inappropriate and unworthy of any chief minister. You can read more about his concerns HERE. [https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/former-mhk-accuses-chief-minister-of-belittling-and-demeaning-tynwald-over-assisted-dying-bill/] In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Mr Gill tells Sian Cowper why he decided to write this letter:

'Multitude' of late boat arrivals impacts business customer numbers

A news agent in Port St Mary is calling on the Steam Packet Company to consider using the MV Arrow or Ben my Chree for freight services instead of the Manxman. Technical issues on the ferry resulted in papers arriving late on the Island yesterday.

Ministers' response to dyslexia report 'disappointing', says campaign group

The response by the Council of Ministers to a report into the Island's dyslexia provision is 'disappointing', according to a campaign group. Of the twelve recommendations put forward by a Tynwald Select Committee, ministers accepted just two as they are written, amended nine, and rejected one. In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM members Julia Bell, Peter Washington and Chrissie Watson.