Lifecould be ’more difficult’ for non-UK residents living in the Isle of Man, Chief Minister Howard Quayle has admitted.

Mr Quayle said: ’Freedom of movement of people between the UK and the European Union is likely to be restricted or reduced.

’This may make life more difficult for people who live in the Isle of Man but who originally come from outside the UK and for our people living in the European Union.

’It could also mean access to labour is more difficult or costly.’

Bill Shimmins (Middle) described that as ’alarming’.

’It is already very difficult to come here to work,’ he said.

He called on the government to start planning now to avoid being ’wrongfooted’ by a foreseeable outcome.

David Cretney MLC and Daphne Caine (Garff) both expressed concern for the rights of EU nationals living in the Isle of Man.

’How soon will the chief minister be able to provide clarity and certainty over their future in the island?’ Mrs Caine asked.

Mr Quayle said that the EU had put the rights of its citizens at the top of the tree in terms of importance.

’I think we will see the issue resolved, hopefully, very soon,’ he said. ’I imagine citizens’ rights will be protected.’

People who had ’embedded’ themselves in Manx society were one of the Council of Ministers’ priorities.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan threw his support behind Mr Quayle. He admitted that the Isle of Man may not be able to influence the fine detail of Brexit negotiations but the government’s approach would ensure it was not excluded.

He added: ’Throughout it all, for the first time in two generations we can truly emphasise what we are doing positively to meet international standards and contribute to the British Isles economy.’