Tynwald has established a Select Committee to review the law relating to the care and upbringing of children, especially in cases of broken marriages and other relationships.

It was resolved on 10th December 2013 –

That a committee of three Members be appointed with powers to take written and oral evidence pursuant to sections 3 and 4 of the Tynwald Proceedings Act 1876, as amended, to consider and to report to Tynwald by June 2014 on the Petition for Redress of Mr Philip James Walmsley presented at St John’s on 5th July 2013 seeking a review of the law relating to the care and upbringing of children, especially in cases of broken marriages and other relationships.

The Members elected to the Committee by Tynwald were Mrs Kate Beecroft MHK, Hon Phil Gawne MHK and Mr Juan Turner MLC. The Committee has elected Mr Turner as its chair.

The Committee has decided to give members of the public the opportunity to submit comments and opinions on the issues raised by Mr Walmsley’s petition, the full text of which can be read by clicking here. Submissions should be sent to the Clerk of the Committee by 5pm on Tuesday 21st January 2014. E-mail is preferred but hard copy is equally acceptable.

Respondents are asked to indicate clearly whether or not they are content for their submissions to be published.