'Save Sark with Royal Commission-type inquiry'

A 22-strong group of prominent islanders, which includes the likes of Rupert Dorey, Stuart Falla MBE, Wayne Bulpitt and Dame Mary Perkins DBE, have written an open letter to urge Guernsey, Jersey and the UK 'as key stakeholders in its economy and future prosperity' to work with Chief Pleas and the people of Sark to 'resolve the very serious problems that Sark continues to face'.

'As independently minded individuals we intervene in other people's business with reluctance,' they say in the letter.

'We believe that the solutions to problems that any Channel Island faces should preferably be devised by no one other than the people of that island.

'However, the "inconvenient truth" would seem to be that without some form of effective intervention from outside, the leaders, people and investors in Sark are unlikely to reach a sound and enduring set of solutions to the problems they face.'

A Royal Commission is a major public inquiry created by the Queen or her representative, for example the Lt-Governor, on the advice of the relevant government.

It would usually be chaired by the likes of a retired judge and set up to investigate one-off issues.

Its powers can be extensive, including being able to call witnesses and seize evidence, but all within defined terms of reference, and it can make recommendations for governments to respond to.