The Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, has hailed virtual sittings of Tynwald ‘a positive development in meeting an urgent need’ in the face of current COVID-19 restrictions. Mr Speaker’s comment appeared in an article he submitted to the Electoral Reform Society, which is examining how parliaments around the world are adopting new ways of conducting business and delivering democracy during the coronavirus crisis.

Reflecting on the first virtual sitting of Tynwald held on April 3 Mr Speaker wrote that the proceedings were run ‘as closely as possible to Standing Orders to provide as much continuity as possible’. He also praised the ‘absolutely first-class team’ of Clerks and Chamber and Information Service and Hansard officers for their hard work and ingenuity, which brought a workable solution ‘from concept to reality’ in little more than a week and he thanked Members for their goodwill and adaptability.

In closing he wrote: ‘The experience has shown that the Isle of Man has lived up to its motto, synonymous with our three-legged flag, of Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, or “Whichever way you throw me, I will stand”.’

Mr Speaker added: ‘Other Commonwealth parliaments are now expressing interest in the rapid technological response of the Isle of Man to conducting parliamentary business virtually, something on which we have collaborated successfully with counterparts in the Channel Islands. Innovation like this does not just happen, however. It has required enthusiastic buy-in from Members and staff, who deserve credit for their flexibility and resolve. Whilst as much as possible has been done to retain continuity, such as the presence of Sword of State and chairing the meetings from Legislative Buildings in Douglas, there is a very different feel and ethos to a virtual setting. However, every bit as important is the need for Parliament to reflect the needs of the community and do our bit in the “stay safe, stay home” message of our health workers.’

The President of Tynwald, the Hon Steve Rodan OBE MLC, said: ‘In the long history of parliamentary government in the Isle of Man, over the centuries Tynwald has sat variously in St Johns, Castle Rushen, Castletown and Douglas. Now its Members meet remotely, scattered all over the Island, linked electronically to the Presiding Officer in Douglas. Thus, sittings of Tynwald, unbroken for over a thousand years, continue in order to pass and provide parliamentary oversight to the emergency legislation Government is obliged to bring forward to ensure that the Isle of Man lives through the present extraordinary crisis faced by its people.’

Meanwhile, in its ‘COVID-19: Delivering Parliamentary Democracy’ toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) referred to the virtual sitting of Tynwald as an example of how parliaments were enacting emergency legislation during the pandemic.Mr Speaker’s article for the Electoral Reform Society is available to view at https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/isle-of-man-worlds-oldest-parliament-goes-online/

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