Tynwald votes to prolong regulatory discussions
Tynwald has voted that government should terminate the regulatory agreement with Manx Gas, but we won't know more about a new deal until after next month’s sitting.
Former Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas had been leading the negotiations on a new agreement, and previously promised an update by this month, before he was sacked from the Council of Ministers.
In parliament yesterday, he wanted government to report back with a new deal by the July sitting, which met a list of criteria.
However his successor, Ray Harmer, successfully argued government should instead either suggest heads of terms for a new agreement for the court to approve, or essentially just outline a timetable of further negotiations.
His efforts to stall the already-delayed process found favour among parliamentary colleagues, which will frustrate the protesters who already say the time for negotiation is over.