The Isle of Man has been named as a ’tax haven’ by the BBC’s Panorama, which was televised last week.

The documentary focussed on the ’Paradise Papers’, a collection of confidential documents about offshore investments that were leaked to news media organisations.

The documents named businesses on the island of which Panorama have investigated with their reporter, Richard Bilton, who voiced that the nation’s law had been changed ’to help tax dodgers’.

The Examiner asked shoppers in Douglas what their views were on the programme and whether they thought the reporting was carried out in a fair manner.

’From what I’ve heard of the particular programme is that it’s simply sensational journalism, therefore I refuse to watch it,’ said Adam Beighton, 41, from Mount Murray.

When asked about his thoughts on the Panorama programme potentially damaging the nation’s reputation he said: ’I don’t think it will do long-term damage. I know that the island is very careful to make sure aviation and yachting services are transparent in terms of finance.’

Pauline Tortasso and her husband, Danny, 51, were not impressed by the two shows that were featured last week.

Danny said: ’People off the island might not be aware of the details and the way the island runs financially. Most of us here do.

’So it comes as a big surprise to people in the UK when they see this Panorama report, which doesn’t explain things clearly.’

Pauline said: ’I don’t think the shows will have an adverse affect on the island, especially with the uncertainty of Brexit and everything that is happening in the UK government at present.’

Onchan resident, Tim Edwards, 56, called the shows ’a big load of rubbish’, which have prompted him to switch to Sky News instead.

’Panorama just followed one guy to ask him a question that everyone knows the answer too. It’s that stupid reporter. They use the same person every time.’

On the other hand, Rob Smith, a 48-year-old from Douglas, found the report to be ’spot on’ and looks forward to what happens next.

’When I saw the show and its reaction I don’t think it will go away and that something will be done about tax evasion. It’s the same stuff, but it’s good to let people know.

’Nobody knows how to do anything against this and we don’t trust the government because they act corruptly.

’Usually people are quite content to not say anything about it and so the problem continues.’

The Panorama report raised many questions for Adrian Bruce, 45, and Jill Gabriel, 29, who watched both episodes. Jill said: ’I didn’t find the report too bad, apart from the pressure on Lord Ashcroft, but we do need answers at the end of the day.

’I think the reporter’s skills weren’t exactly forgiving. He hounded people rather than doing it in a respectful way.’

’It was very comedic,’ Adrian added.

’I was interested in knowing where that money would have gone and who it would have benefited - the HMRC or the island? Now that the Health Department have stopped meals on wheels, I would like an answer from the government,’ he continued.