The Isle of Man has come under an ’orchestrated attack’ following the release of the Paradise Papers, says Chief Minister Howard Quayle.

He made the comment as he ruled out - for the moment - setting up a London office to look after the Isle of Man’s interests in the UK capital.

Mr Quayle acknowledged the problems the island was facing as a result of the ’orchestrated attack arising from the Paradise Papers and the looming threat from the EU as it seeks to establish its list of harmful tax jurisdictions’.

He added it was crucial the Isle of Man engaged with all sides of Westminster, but said there was a steady flow of Manx Government experts and politicians, who travelled to London on a regular basis to ensure the island’s interests were heard. Consequently, he said, there were no plans at the moment to open up a London office, as that would not be cost effective.

Mr Quayle was speaking in the House of Keys in response to a question tabled by Julie Edge (LibVannin, Onchan), who followed up by asking whether he had considered sharing the London office run by the Jersey government.

The Chief Minister was not keen on that idea, saying it was important that each Crown Dependency had its own identity.

He also pointed out that, as part of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, the Isle of Man had access to its London headquarters, Marlborough House, to stage events.

He did say, however, that the government would keep the situation under review.