House of Commons - Justice Committee

Crown Dependencies - Justice Committee Contents

Memorandum submitted by the Combined Isle of Man Ex-Service Assocations

I am writing at the direction of the combined Isle of Man ex-service associations which are listed below to make representation to the Committee in respect of the arrangements between UK and the Crown Dependencies. In particular, we wish to express the deep concern of our members about the adverse effects on their families and themselves over the forthcoming unilateral ending of the Reciprocal Health Agreement which has existed between our two countries since the introduction here of National Health in 1948.

We would like to underline the anxiety which this has caused to Manx veterans, aggravated by a feeling of rejection by our British brothers with whom we have shared so much not least in war. In this context, it is perhaps appropriate to stress the exceptional contribution by the Isle of Man to the United Kingdom armed forces both now and in the past.

During the course of the First World War, 1,165 Manxmen were killed from a population of 50,000: this is 2.3% of the population which is higher than any other nation in the Empire including the United Kingdom. In the Second World War the roll of honour was again high: the Manx regiment marched with 7th Armoured Division from Alamein to the Baltic through Italy and France and the Isle of Man Steam Packet sent eight ships to Dunkirk losing three of them while carrying 25,000 of the 340,000 rescued back to UK.

From 1940 to 1960, the Isle of Man was subject to conscription into the UK forces which was not the case with any other dependency nor indeed Northern Ireland. Consequentially around one in ten of the population of the Island is a "Veteran" which is probably higher than the UK due to Manx longevity and post war immigration into the United Kingdom. There are 504 War Pensioners and 69 War Widows on the Island.

The youngsters of the Island continue to join the armed forces and we understand that over 200 are currently serving, 12 with one infantry battalion. Three have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and a young officer won the Military Cross just before Christmas.

The Isle of Man has won the competition for the highest per capita contribution to the Poppy Appeal every year since 1978.

Approximately 5,000 Manx veterans are Old Age Pensioners. Many have children and grand children in the United Kingdom and naturally visit them from time to time. These are the section of the population least able to afford insurance and in the case of the over 90s often unable to secure it: very few of them are wealthy. Their relatives will of course experience the same problems in visiting the Island.

We understand that the costs to the NHS are in the order of £3 million annually which is almost mirrored by the costs to the DHSS. It seems doubtful that the full amount will be saved by the withdrawal of the agreement and of course UK citizens will also suffer.

The Manx people have always been unequivocally loyal to Her Majesty the Queen, Lord of Man, and to Great Britain. The cessation of the reciprocal health agreement apparently without negotiation has been a traumatic shock to our veterans and their dependants. The feeling that our sacrifices over the year have been ignored is even sharper than the unwelcome costs involved.

The United Kingdom has been pleased to call the Manx people to the colours in war and peace: it is surely inequitable to abandon us in our vulnerable later years.

Brigadier N A Butler CBE

Coordinating Chairman

February 2010

Representing:

The Royal British Legion Isle of Man County Committee

The Isle of Man Joint Ex-Services Association Committee

The Manx Legion Committee

The Isle of Man War Pensions Committee

The Isle of Man Armed Forces Day Committee

The Isle of Man Royal Naval Association Committee

The Isle of Man Royal Air Force Association Committee

The Isle of Man Normandy Veterans Association Committee