The announcement, by DHSS Minister Eddie Teare MHK, that the UK is to cease treating IOM residents for free, if they are admitted to hospital on a visit there, surely brings the Island one step closer to completely severing its attachment to the UK.

Mr Teare says, in a press release, that the UK is not specifically targeting the IOM but the Crown dependencies in general; and that the withdrawal, by the UK, from the bilateral agreement, will save the UK taxpayer £2m per year.

The DHSS is keen to reassure residents that patients sent to the UK for treatment will not be affected by this decision as this treatment is covered by a separate arrangement for which the IOM pays the UK £6m per year.

The Chief Minister, Tony Brown describes this latest decision of the UK as “disappointing” but cheerfully reminds residents that it now puts visitors on the same footing as when they visit Southern Ireland.

The Celtic League’s Director of Information, Bernard Moffatt has reacted with anticipated indignation to the announcement; and has described the lack of fight by the Manx Government as “shameful”.

He also told Manx Radio that this latest attempt by the UK Government to “rip-off” of the IOM should provoke further discussion over the Island seeking greater ‘autonomy’ from the UK.