Climate change, fishing and ‘BAU’ discussed with ministers
CLIMATE change, Covid, green finance and transport were among the topics discussed by Policy & Resources’ lead on external relations during his visit to the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. Jonathan Le Tocq was joined by his opposite number from Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst, and between them they attended several meetings with government ministers and junior ministers.
A programme was arranged in advance to discuss issues relevant to the islands and among those Deputy Le Tocq met was Alok Sharma, who will preside over the Cop26 climate change conference next month.
‘We talked about the Bailiwick’s involvement in the overall climate change agenda,’ said Deputy Le Tocq.
While the issue of fishing licences for French vessels came up, Deputy Le Tocq said it was only one of dozens of topics that were raised and it did not dominate his agenda.
‘We need to bear in mind that most of the rhetoric is coming from Paris, ie. the French national government, not our regional neighbours in Normandy for example, with whom we recently had very constructive dialogue,’ he said.
‘Additionally, nationally France is the run-up to a presidential election.’
While the issues surrounding fisheries can often escalate quickly and the two Bailiwicks often get conflated, he said that at the moment the focus was more on Jersey than Guernsey.
During what he described as a ‘fairly full’ agenda, among the other topics discussed was the future Free Trade Agreements being prepared by the UK: ‘They’re coming very quickly and we need early sight of the details of these and the UK’s position and where it may affect us.
‘There were also the more “business as usual” type things such as meeting the Ministry of Justice. We were also pleased to be able to meet [recently-appointed Justice Secretary] Dominic Raab.’
Overall, he said the delegation was pleased with the outturn of the event.
‘It exceeded our expectations, in that it’s been very difficult in the last couple of years withCovid to have any real contact with members of the government and members of parliament in general.’
Also on the agenda
. Ensuring newly-elected MPs as well as new government ministers understand the island’s constitutional relationship with the UK
. Promoting a better understanding of Guernsey’s unique selling points including tourism, financial services, digital and creative business, the marine environment
. The Covid-19 situation, border issues and lessons learned from the island’s experience, green finance and investment potential especially in the light of Cop26
. The removal of air passenger duty for transit flights
. Plans for a new reciprocal health agreement, healthcare provision and costs generally on and off the island and the opportunities for health tourism
. Overcoming labour supply issues in certain markets
