Isle of Man health deal reprieve hailed

Campaigners have welcomed the Government's decision to drop cost-cutting plans to scrap a health agreement with the Isle of Man.

Manx war veterans were among prominent opponents of the move which would have required visitors to the mainland UK to have insurance to get non-emergency health care and vice versa.

They wrote to Prime Minister Gordon Brown warning it could leave many elderly people unable to afford to visit family or receive them on the island - with adverse effects on tourism.

More than 60 MPs also signed a Commons motion, but Health Secretary Andy Burnham had insisted the 60-year-old deal was no longer value for money and should be scrapped.

However, he has indicated that it would be reprieved for at least six months following discussions with the government in Douglas.

"The situation will remain under review and we will consider whether or not this could form the basis for a new agreement which we will discuss in the autumn," he said.

"I believe this is a fair solution giving value for money to the UK taxpayer, while avoiding any negative impact on individuals travelling between the Isle of Man and the UK."

Labour MP Andrew MacKinlay, who led the Commons protests, said he was delighted at the change of heart and praised the campaigning by Isle of Man residents.

"Never again will they be taken quite so for granted," he said.