The president of P&R said that the States would continue to engage with the UK government to ensure that Bailiwick interests in regard to Brexit can be ‘fully represented’ by the UK – even when those interests might differ.
Deputy St Pier’s comments came as Theresa May’s government was rocked by the resignations of foreign secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit secretary David Davis amid differences on the British prime minister’s Brexit plan.
‘Notwithstanding the latest political developments in the UK, which we continue to watch with interest, Guernsey’s position remains unchanged,’ said Deputy St Pier.
‘It continues to be increasingly important to ensure that the Bailiwick’s interests, whether it be part of the negotiations or as part of the Future Economic Partnership, are understood and taken into consideration as part of the wider UK/EU negotiations.’
He added: ‘Guernsey has developed a positive relationship with the Department for Exiting the EU (Dexeu), and in particular with Robin Walker MP Dexeu’s parliamentary under-secretary, for that very purpose.
‘The value of this relationship was demonstrated once again during the most recent quarterly meeting, held just last week in London.
‘We will continue engaging with Dexeu, as well as other UK government departments, to ensure that, in line with our constitutional relationship, Bailiwick interests can be fully represented by the UK, even at times when they might differ from their own.’
The developments come after Deputy St Pier last month said that Guernsey was preparing for a Brexit no deal after Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar warned that such a prospect was now more likely at the last British-Irish Council summit, which was held in Guernsey.
Deputy St Pier said: ‘It is absolutely inevitable, sensible, wise and prudent that all administrations should be preparing for that, not necessarily with any expectation that will be the outcome. But clearly, it is prudent government to ensure you have got that preparedness whilst clearly planning for a more favourable outcome, as the Taoiseach said.’
The British-Irish Council brings together the UK and Irish government with the Scottish and Welsh devolved administrations and the Crown Dependencies to discuss common issues.
The Guernsey Press also yesterday contacted Dexeu for comment.
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