New powers to call up police firearms teams from the UK to help fight major threats in the Isle of Man have been approved.

Tynwald endorsed the introduction of a new measure to simplify the Manx police force’s ability to contract in specialist support in the event of a major firearms incident, including ’terrorism operations’.

It means that police can call up firearms officers from the UK without first having to swear them in as special constables, as is currently the case. Should officers need to be operational in the island for more than five days, however, they would need to be sworn in.

Concern was raised about how the item did not appear on the main agenda paper. A supplementary paper appeared on the day of the sitting.

Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey) acknowledged that members were briefed the day before but said that was inadequate time to consider it.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey accepted the concern and said the reason was to avoid highlighting what was seen as a weakness.

’We really did not want to expose the weakness that we had,’ he said.

A Department of Home Affairs spokesman said later that Manx police had an ’an appropriate level’ of specialist officers to meet operational demands.

’In a matter of national security or public safety, tactical support officers from off-island may be called upon to provide additional expertise and resilience.

’Currently, signed warrants have to be issued to TSOs from the UK to enable them to exercise the same powers and duties as an Isle of Man police officer.

’The Police Powers and Procedures (Contracted Staff) Order 2017 will simplify the procedure, with the intention of supporting the swift and effective deployment of resources in critical incidents, including terrorism operations.’

Arrangements are being put in place with the National Police Coordination Centre in London to secure a protocol with the Isle of Man for the provision of mutual aid.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ’As part of our commitment to maintaining public safety, we must be prepared for a range of situations. The Order passed by Tynwald is a positive step for the Isle of Man Constabulary. It will modernise the arrangements that allow us to contract in tactical support officers when required.’