The Chairman of the Liberal Vannin Party (LVP), Kate Beecroft is absolutely livid after the attempted intervention of Health Minister, Eddie Teare to scupper plans to present an alternative to the government’s ‘self-insurance’ policy following the announcement the UK is to ditch the reciprocal health agreement (RHA) in April 2010.

His action is described as devious and underhand and one that destroys the credibility of a Ministerial office in our Manx Parliament.

Party Leader, Peter Karran MHK arranged for the largest brokers in Europe to give a presentation to all Members of Tynwald on Wednesday (27^th Jan) on the viability of blanket medical insurance cover for all Manx residents travelling to the UK. This presentation was arranged in order that everyone could give this very serious matter proper consideration prior to Mr Karran asking for leave to introduce a Private Members Bill in the House of Keys next week. In order to be open and transparent, Mr Karran held a briefing on Monday about the presentation and all Members of Tynwald (including Minister Teare) who attended were supplied with the ultimate insurer’s corporate profile.

Mr Karran’s Bill, if supported, will introduce primary legislation to enable a government department to put a levy on travel. It will also enable the government to use the funds generated by this levy to fund the cost of medical insurance for all Manx residents when visiting the UK and for visitors to the Island. 

Liberal Vannin say they have initially been concentrating on ensuring that all our poor, elderly or sick are able to travel to the UK without worrying about potentially enormous bills should they fall ill or be involved in an accident. The brokers that they contacted have given an estimate of less than £2 per person per trip with no age or medical condition restrictions on the basis that everyone would have to pay. This is for cover up to £100,000 plus repatriation costs if necessary.

LVP suggest at less than the price of a cup of coffee they do not think this is too high a price to pay to ensure that everyone is adequately covered without having to fill forms in and check the small print only to find numerous exclusions and limited cover.

However, they also suggest it appears that openness and transparency should not be considered appropriate when dealing with Ministers of the Government.

After being supplied with the insurer’s corporate profile by Mr Karran, Minister Teare apparently contacted the London office to warn them that Liberal Vannin was not in government and that their planned trip could be a waste of time. 

LVP say he did not even have the courtesy to inform Mr Karran that he had made this call. 

LVP asks whether it did not occur to him that Liberal Vannin had been honest with the brokers; and suggest he should not judge others on his own dubious standards.

Fortunately, they say, on this occasion, he was unsuccessful and the presentation successfully took place; and by all accounts it was very well received.

LVP claim there were several immediate pledges of support from members and they hope that many more will support the introduction of the Bill on Tuesday (2^nd Feb).

LVP point out there has been a huge public outcry about the current government’s lack of action; both in its dealings with the UK and in not providing an acceptable alternative to the RHA. They say they have had overwhelming support for their proposed scheme and have even started a petition because of public demand.

They go to say people want a way to tell government how they feel about this issue because, at the moment, government simply is not listening.

LVP is asking for a ‘Free Vote’ next Tuesday and support for Mr Karran’s Bill; knowing if they do not get a ‘Free Vote’ then the Bill will almost certainly fail because of the Council of Ministers’ block vote. They believe a ‘Free Vote’ should be allowed as it really is a matter of conscience.

LVP know, that because of the ‘Collective Responsibility’, all Ministers sign a declaration stating that they will support the majority decision of Ministers - even if they disagree with it. They should remember that the public voted for them to serve and protect the public interest and not to serve and protect each other.

LVP are encouraging people to ring their MHKs to make their views known, and to let them know that they will be watching how they cast their vote on Tuesday.

Also they ask if you agree with the LVP proposal to sign their petition.

LVP say this issue is far too important to the future of the Isle of Man and its residents to allow petty political point scoring to interfere with something that will bring peace of mind to many.

As part of their campaign over the loss of the RHA LVP member Nigel Dobson has posted a message on youtube which can be accessed via the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryAb_4FRHq4

For more information visit the LVP website www.liberalvannin.org

Meanwhile, the Manx Herald understands a further attempt will be made in the UK House of Commons to try to get a change of mind by the UK authorities.

Manxiphile MP, Andrew MacKinley is due to present an ‘early day motion’ calling for the Labour Government to reconsider the decision to scrap the RHA. He points out it will affect many UK residents as well and thinks it is a barmy decision.

IOM Travel Watch is also getting involved in the controversial decision and they say they very much regret the UK’s decision; but also feel the IOM government’s response has been less than satisfactory and are calling for the government to take urgent action (see www.travelwatch-isleofman.org for details).

The Manx Herald urges local residents and visitors to the IOM to lobby their MHK/MP to get the two parties to open negotiations over a new agreement which satisfies both governments; and, most importantly, offers a fair and equitable deal for all its respective citizens.