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Isle of Man and Liverpool 'strengthen ties'

Alex Blake
BBC News, Isle of Man
BBC Isle of Man Chief Minister Alfred Cannan with Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram to his left and leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson to his right, all signing a copy of the memorandum of understanding while sitting at a table that is covered in a Manx tartan table cloth. BBC
The chief minister joined Liverpool representatives to sign the new agreement

Political leaders have pledged to strengthen "economic, cultural, and political ties" between the Isle of Man and the Liverpool City Region.

Manx Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, the leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The document includes a pledge for co-operation on economic opportunities, tourism and culture, education and transport connections.

Cannan said it would "forge new opportunities for growth and collaboration" between the two regions.

IOM GOV A copy of the signed MOU in a brown leather folder on the table with a pen by its side.IOM GOV
The MOU was signed at a gathering at the new Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool

The MOU was signed in Liverpool at a special event held at the new Manx-government funded ferry terminal situated at Princes Half Tide Dock.

It has been cited as the driving force behind the agreement.

The Manx government said the construction phase of the project had generated £3.2m for the regional economy in Liverpool.

Cannan said: "Our investment in the new ferry terminal in the city is our biggest single investment in the UK and has been a catalyst for these discussions.

"The signing of this MOU is a clear statement from both administrations that forging closer economic ties is a strategic priority and one which offers mutual benefits."

IOMSPC The front of the new ferry terminal, which has large glass windows on the second level and a triskelion on the top level. There is grey paving in front of it and a sign that reads Welcome, Isle of Man Ferry Terminal. IOMSPC
Alfred Cannan said the Manx-funded terminal was the island's largest ever single investment in the UK

As part of the agreement the island and Liverpool will hold annual conferences, alternating as hosts.

A Manx government spokeswoman said the move coincided with aims in the Island Plan to "create thousands of new jobs and attract 500,000 visitors per year by 2032".

It follows the Department for Enterprise becoming a "strategic partner" with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce last year.

Commenting on the latest strengthening of ties, Rotheram said: "For centuries, our people have been connected through travel, trade, and shared culture."

The agreement marked "the beginning of a new era of cooperation" and would "unlock new opportunities for economic growth, skills development, and sustainable innovation", he added.

Robinson said many people from the Liverpool City Region had "long, fond associations with the Isle of Man dating back generations".

"It makes sense for us to forge closer ties with one of our nearest neighbours, exploring opportunities for collaboration and mutually beneficial associations," he said.

Signing the MOU meant "opening the door to greater innovation, technology exchange, and investment opportunities", he added.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.

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