Andrew Mackinlay Labour MP for Thurrock picked up the cause of Manx Residents and UK residents who are effected by the Cancellation of the Reciprocal Health Agreement by the UK Health Department, after a conversation with House of Keys Speaker Steve Rodan in October 2009 during the Celtic Assembly in Wales, Andrews first words at being told of the decision said ‘this is some sort of joke ‘, when told no it was true, he was almost speechless. When he returned to Westminster he asked his first of many questions on why and for what reason. He was in his words amazed that such a ‘potty’ decision had been taken by the UK Health Department.
His concerns included not just the affect on Manx residents, but also UK residents who wish to travel to the Isle of Man for whatever reason, for example; holidays, visiting loved ones and of course to be able to attend the World famous TT motorcycle races, and on a constitutional point the fact that the decision had been made without informing the UK parliament, nor the devolved Parliaments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Welsh Assembly, all of whom’s residents are affected. He noted that virtually all MPs and Lords were not aware of the decision and besides asking numerous questions of both the UK Health Department and the Justice Department, who are responsible for the Crown Dependencies, he has made sure everyone was informed of this decision.
He managed after some official and private meetings with the Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham to get Mr Burnham to agree to a face to face meeting with the Manx Chief Minister and Manx Health Minister, although this was against advice Mr Burnham received from his Department. This 45 minute meeting in January 2010 still failed to get the decision changed, but Andrew’s fight continued backed by Manx residents, UK residents and Motorcycle groups.
He has put forward an Early Day Motion calling for the deferment of the cancellation and proper discussions between all parties and to include devolved parliaments, it has 53 signatures from all sides of the Commons to date, and written in the same words he as put the subject on the Agenda for the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly to be held on the 22nd and 23rd February 2010.
In his own words the fight must go on, even after the forthcoming UK election and it must be on the desk of the new Prime Minister. This is even more significant when you realise that Andrew is stepping down from Parliament at the next election 2010. But he is not going to walk away from this fight.
Andrew is pleased to acknowledge the support of many people in the UK and especially in the Isle of Man both public and politicians to name just 2, Steve Rodan MHK and David Cannan MHK, both who have unfortunately received verbal attacks from other Manx politicians for their support of him.
From the Editor:
I have had many telephone calls and email contacts with Andrew and his office, and two things come to my attention his determination to get this changed and his hard work towards this aim. One member of his office described him as a workaholic who hates injustice, we are very luck to have him involved, and I thank him on behalf of everyone.