Manx Newscast

A warning that this episode contains information which some listeners may find distressing.

The families of two teenagers who were murdered over 20 years ago on the Isle of Man are renewing a call to keep their killer behind bars.

Sixteen-year-old’s Samantha Barton and George Green were killed in 2002 by Peter Newbery who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

After two decades behind bars Newbery applied for parole and his application was heard by the Isle of Man Parole Committee in 2023; it was unsuccessful.

It’s understood he’ll undergo another parole hearing in March – something which has sparked an online petition calling for his release to be blocked.

Ahead of the hearing Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to George's sister Shirley and Samantha's aunt Linda:

Does Manx Care have enough funding for the year ahead? 

Well the healthcare budget was one of the main talking points in yesterday's Budget debate. 

The health body will get £357.5 million with a £14 million contingency pot also available. 

Ramsey MHK, and former Health Minister, Lawrie Hooper told Tynwald that's simply not enough saying he believes a base figure of £370 million is needed. 

Our political correspondent Phil Gawne caught up with Mr Hooper and his replacement Claire Christian.

A meeting has been organised for residents of Peel interested in standing as a commissioner in the Local Authority Elections in April. 

Commissioner Hazel Hannan says it's important for democracy if there is an election in the town, so people have a choice of who they want to represent them. 

She and fellow board member Voirrey Heaton will be holding the meeting on 27 February at the Peel Centenary Centre from 7.30pm.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Ms Hannan.

The treasury minister Alex Allinson has brought his proposed budget for the 2025/26 financial year to Tynwald.

You can listen to his speech in full here.

People from a range of backgrounds are required to work together to make the Isle of Man Civil Defence Corps a success.

That's the message from the emergency service which is currently recruiting for 'enthusiastic and dedicated' volunteers.

An open day is being held at the Civil Defence Headquarters in Tromode this Wednesday (19 February) from 8pm.

Siobhán Fletcher has been finding out more about the service from current volunteers Jim MacGregor, Richard Allen and Judith Bartram.

Peel Commissioners says it's 'disappointing' that the former cabinet office minister didn't speak to them about the amount of land zoned for residential development in the Draft North and West Area Plan.

Kate Lord-Brennan, MHK for Glenfaba and Peel, who oversaw the plan until she resigned at the end of last year, said the local authority had submitted this land to the consultation. 

The local authority claims its submissions and responses are public, whilst Ms Lord-Brennan has stated she will be voting against it when it gets to Tynwald.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him and Chair of the board Christine Moughtin.

The Children's Champion says the provision of services across the Island need to be 'good enough for one's own child'.

Kerry Sharpe's second annual report, covering the period of April 2023-24, is to be debated in Tynwald this week.

Within it, she makes seven recommendations; largely focussed on children with complex needs, young carers, and looked after children.

Siobhán Fletcher has been taking a closer look and has this special Newscast.

Thousands of trees around the Island have been lost in

recent severe storms. It’s at a time when the Island is facing the loss of up to

90% of its Elm and Ash stocks through disease.

It’s a grim prospect and one which a local tree expert

believes requires immediate action to prevent long-term environmental damage to the Island.

Ben Brooker thinks a large-scale tree planting programme

must be progressed with some urgency.

He’s been talking to Simon Richardson.

In a matter of days the Isle of Man Treasury was set to propose changes to the Manx State Pension, but this morning we're hearing there's been a change of plan.

The so-called Manx Pension Guarantee would have seen those on the pension from 5 April 2019 onwards diverted away from the triple lock - starting this year.

It proved to be one of the most contentious issues with members of the house of keys this week pushing to debate that decision separately from the Budget.

So, instead, the Isle of Man Treasury will propose a 4.1 percent increase to both the basic Retirement Pension and Manx State Pension in next week’s Budget, aligning with the UK’s triple lock policy.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson spoke to Lewis Foster live on Manx Radio Breakfast to explain exactly why this move has come about - and what happens next.

Should all the taxis on the Isle of Man be electric?

That's the question government is asking, as it launches a new survey.

The Climate Transformation Team wants to gather information about the feasibility of electrifying the Island's fleet.

We hear from one driver who's sceptical about the move, and another whose already transitioned their whole fleet to EVs.