Wednesday 25 January 2017
UK ministers have today met the Chief Ministers of the Crown Dependencies in London to discuss the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
The meeting, hosted by Minister for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker and Minister for the Department for International Trade Mark Garnier, was part of a series of regular talks with the Crown Dependencies to ensure their interests are captured.
A wide range of issues was discussed, including trade, customs, agriculture and fisheries. Ministers confirmed their shared commitment to maintain the Common Travel Area, recognising our historic ties and the importance of this arrangement to our constitutional relationship.
President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Gavin St Pier said:
"The quarterly meetings with the Department for Exiting the EU Minister provide an opportunity for open and direct discussion on the impact on Guernsey from the UK's decision to leave the EU. They have quickly become a forum to ensure that our interests in priority policy areas are heard and understood by the team that will be involved in the UK's negotiations when Article 50 has been triggered. These include the free movement of goods, financial services and our World Trade Organisation status. I was particularly pleased to receive UK ministers ready recognition of their responsibility to maintain the Common Travel Area, recognising that this in fact predates the EU as a result of our long and unique relationship with the Crown."
UK Minister for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker said:
"These talks are part of our commitment to engage the Crown Dependencies as we prepare to exit the EU, and ensuring their interests are properly taken into account.
"As we approach our negotiations with the European Union we will go on working closely with our friends in the Crown Dependencies, helping to ensure that we get a deal that works for everyone."
Last week the UK Prime Minister Theresa May set out the Plan for Britain, including the 12 priorities that the UK government will use to negotiate Brexit.
Negotiations to leave the EU will begin once the UK Prime Minister triggers Article 50, which she has said she will do by the end of March.
-ENDS-
