States to hear deal or no-deal Brexit response
PROGRESS being made in Brexit preparations has been discussed with the UK Government.
It comes amid continued uncertainty about the nature of how and when the UK will leave the European Union, with Deputy Gavin St Pier to tell the States today more details about Guernsey’s response to both a deal and no-deal scenario.
On Monday, the Department for Exiting the European Union hosted the 8th Quarterly Ministerial Meeting in London, chaired by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker MP.
The quarterly meetings were established following the UK’s referendum in June 2016 for discussion between the Policy & Resources president, the Chief Ministers of Jersey and the Isle of Man, and the DExEU.
Discussions included progress being made towards joining extension of the UK’s World Trade Organization membership, the Vienna Convention on Road Transport, the territorial seas around the Bailiwick and plans to ensure continued data flows with the UK.
Deputy St Pier said: ‘The recent meeting with Robin Walker was extremely timely and valuable in light of the ongoing political uncertainty regarding the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. We discussed the detail of the contingency planning, should the UK leave the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019.
‘I was also very pleased to confirm the Committee for Home Affairs’ announcement that it will not charge those EU nationals resident in Guernsey on exit day under its Settlement Scheme. These EU nationals are an integral and valued part of our island’s community and this decision will help provide reassurance to those families and for businesses.
‘It is without doubt that both the UK and the Bailiwick of Guernsey will face some challenges over the coming weeks and months. The continuous dialogue between the UK Government is essential for ensuring that where there are issues of concern these are acknowledged and understood and that the islands will be best prepared for any Brexit outcome.
‘I also welcomed again the UK’s clear recognition that any future relationship negotiated with the EU in due course must be proportionate in its application to Guernsey.’ World News Page 18
