'It's not OK for government to leave people abroad without help' says MHK

Clare Barber stresses financial and logistical assistance is now critical

A Douglas MHK is seeking clarity on whether the Island's border closure is in violation of human rights. 

Clare Barber believes the decision to block Manx residents from returning home should be challenged and admits there is a question around whether it breaches international law.

As part of its response to stem the spread of coronavirus, the Manx government banned the arrival of all inbound passengers last week.
 
Though many countries have adopted similar restrictions, with some enforcing the isolation of returning residents at designated facilities, the Isle of Man remains the only nation to refuse re-entry to its own citizens.
 
Howard Quayle told Tynwald this week the 'horrendously tough decision' was made to ensure the health service and those on-Island were not put at risk.
 
He also added the Island lacked the adequate infrastructure to quarantine its stranded residents, should they be repatriated.
 
Mrs Barber, who was unable to attend Tuesday's emergency sitting of Tynwald due to self-isolation rules, says it was a debate she listened to 'with great sadness'.
 
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Howard Quayle following the media briefing she said the 105 Manx residents locked out of the Island were 'our most vulnerable right now' and she asked him to 'urgently consider' a repatriation plan. 
 
She insists she doesn't dispute the decision to close the Island's borders, her issue is the reported lack of management of those who have been locked out. 

"The first key point for me is arranging the financial and logistical support. It's absolutely critical"  she told Manx Radio.
 
Advice from the Cabinet Office to the those stranded abroad remains to contact the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
 
Manx Radio contacted the FCO asking whether it had a coordinated plan to either accommodate the returning Manx residents whilst in the UK, or to continue them on to the Isle of Man.
 
Its spokesperson replied 'you'll need to contact the Isle of Man government.'
 
You can listen to the full interview with Clare Barber MHK below: