So it was only a matter of time before some of the slightly confused messaging surrounding what is and isn't official Liberal Vannin policy became much clearer. In previous write-ups we've questioned whether Liberal Vannin really at its core supports many supposed liberal values at all considering its choices in relation to some of its 2021 General Election candidates. And now today we have an announcement from Liberal Vannin's very own Dr Evil Mr Peter Willers, which bears the full Liberal Vannin logo at the bottom, confirming that it is stated policy to completely do away with IOM work permits as they 'serve no purpose'.
So we can only assume that at a time when many Manx households are still suffering the financial impact of the pandemic Liberal Vannin believes that completely pulling the carpet from under a whole generation of Manx workers is the right way to go. Including, let's be clear, many born on this Island who have protected employment status who would likely like to return to be closer to family or friends following the devastating impact of COVID-19.
We all know that there are certain aspects of the current work permit system that are flawed but here we have clear advocacy for nothing short of the complete removal of any and all employment related protections from Manx workers rather than any commitment to look at any better protections or system improvements which might be possible. The statement is categorical too - they should go and sooner rather than later. Let us not forget too that these are the very same Manx workers who as a result of Brexit have had their automatic right to work in any of the 27 EU Member States totally removed from them in the last two years. So it is clear that despite the extremely limited job mobility that now applies to Manx people who wish to work elsewhere in the world - Liberal Vannin seems to think that this is exactly the right time to remove any and all protections for Manx people in their homeland.
Those long term Liberal Vannin voters who have spent the last few decades listening to the likes of Mr Peter Karran, who is the main political sponsor of Mr Willers. rail against the Chamber of Commerce and their alleged dirty vested interests in importing non-Manx workers to the detriment of locals must now be very confused indeed. Perhaps special LV Jerk Permits should be applied for all round at committee level? Or are they yet again just seemingly selling out to their own financial backers (or perhaps the shadowy employers of one of their 2021 candidates).
Pictured: The Liberal Vannin statement from Mr Willers in full.
