The Policy & Resources Committee has today published a proposition and policy letter relating to the formal process of the UK's exit from the EU.
The Committee is seeking to ensure that there is a proper parliamentary process undertaken by the States of Deliberation during the UK's exit from the EU, recognising its impact on the Bailiwick.
Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on 24 January 2017 regarding the process of triggering Article 50, the UK Parliament has been debating a UK bill which will provide the authority for the Government to initiate its withdrawal from the EU. This will eventually lead to the end of Guernsey's formal relationship with the EU under Protocol 3 to the UK's Act of Accession.
In accordance with the States Resolution of 29 June 2016, the Policy & Resources Committee has commenced its engagement with the UK Government with the objective to mitigate against the results of this change and ensure the interests of the islands are properly understood. This latest policy letter ensures the States of Deliberation are engaged at the appropriate stages of this process.
In addition to this, on 7 February 2017, the Policy & Resources Committee agreed to support a business case for three additional staff to be seconded into the external relations team in order to coordinate the States of Guernsey's response to the Brexit work, alongside managing existing external relations priorities. A total of £194,000 per annum for two years has been allocated to support this initiative. This will be funded from the Budget Reserve in 2017.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said:
'Ensuring that the States responds to the challenge set by the UK's exit from the EU is something that we need to do at all levels, whilst seeking to ensure we can deliver on our existing priorities. The Bailiwick is distinct from the UK and we must continue to protect our evolving international identity and ensure decisions made by the UK take this into account.'
The policy letter can be found at https://gov.gg/article/158323/Acknowledging-The-Triggering-Of-Article-50-Of-The-Treaty-On-European-Union-In-Respect-Of-Protocol-3
