Friday 29 July 2016
The UK's recently appointed Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon Theresa May MP, has written to the Crown Dependencies and given assurances that Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man will be engaged in the process of the UK's negotiations in relation to its exit and ongoing trade with the EU.
In the letter, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the result of the UK's Referendum on their membership of the EU does not change the 'valued, historical and special' constitutional relationship between the United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies. It also states that Guernsey's 'interests' have been noted, particularly in relation to the grandfathering of rights for all EU nationals that currently reside in the island.
The letter from the Prime Minister also noted the value of the extraordinary British-Irish Council meeting that was held last Friday in Cardiff attended by the President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Gavin St Pier.
Deputy St Pier said:
"This is a very welcome letter. It is encouraging that the UK Prime Minister has acknowledged Guernsey's constitutional relationship with the UK and understands the constitutional responsibility that the UK has to represent our interests internationally. I am grateful for the reassurance that Guernsey's interests are well known and understood, but also that we will be engaged and involved in the process, rather than merely consulted.
The Extraordinary British-Irish Council last week was extremely important for all member administrations, and I am delighted that the language contained in the Prime Minister's letter very much reflects the expectations of the UK Government that I set out on behalf of Guernsey. I very much look forward to continuing the discussions with the UK Government in the months that lie ahead."
ENDS
The full letter is available to download using the link to the right hand side of this page
