Ministers from across the British Isles are meeting today (Friday) for the 34th British-Irish Council (BIC) Summit, which is being hosted virtually by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The main discussion topic at the summit will be economic recovery from Covid-19, followed by an update from all administrations on latest political developments.

The BIC was established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, with an aim to develop positive links between its eight member countries.

The last time the Isle of Man hosted the summit was in 2018.

Representatives also met virtually earlier this week, for a separate meeting of the council - its 16th bi-annual environment meeting.

At these bi-annual environmental summits, representatives exchange ideas on a range of topics and ’explore ways of working collaboratively to solve shared environmental issues’.

This year’s summit was chaired by Lord Gardiner of Kimble, and it was the first time it was hosted virtually, because of the UK Covid-19 restrictions. Representing the Isle of Man, Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, discussed issues ranging from climate adaption to marine protection.

The summit also focused on how members can work together to combat the threat of non-native species and better protect marine areas.

Mr Boot said: ’The Isle of Man takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and the summit is very useful to discuss ideas and future plans with our nearest neighbours in the acknowledgement that we must all play our part.

’This year the Isle of Man tabled a Climate Change Bill that commits us to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 - in line with the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel report.

’We have also seen continued success for initiatives to better protect our seas including Fishing for Litter, an all-Island water refill scheme, and our marine nature reserves nurturing areas of internationally important biodiversity including carbon storing Eel Grass.

’It is important to recognise that the natural environment is important to our health, wellbeing and economy and it has never been more important to work together for the benefit of future generations.’

The next environmental meeting of the BIC will be held in 2022 with a focus on marine issues, climate adaptation and invasive non-native species.