New prime minister welcomed with reminder of close links
Liz Truss becomes the new UK prime minister today after defeating Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest.
Guernsey’s chief minister, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, welcomed the announcement yesterday and offered the former foreign secretary his congratulations on behalf of the people of Guernsey.
‘As part of the British family, Guernsey has very close connections with the UK. Our links are constitutional, historical, social and economic, and therefore touch all aspects of islanders’ lives,’ he said.
‘For that reason the States of Guernsey values what are very good relationships with politicians across the UK political spectrum and with officials in many UK departments.
‘There are undoubtedly major domestic and global challenges facing the new prime minister as she takes office, and we wish her the best in providing security, stability and success for the country and the wider British family in these uncertain times.’
He said he was especially pleased to be in London to sign the new reciprocal health agreement between Guernsey and the UK Government, which he described as ‘a testament to the strength and closeness of our relationship’.
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, who is Policy and Resources’ lead for external relations and constitutional affairs, said he was honoured to meet Ms Truss last year and was looking forward to working with her in the future.
‘The challenges facing the UK – both domestically and internationally – are arguably unprecedented in recent decades and are unlikely to be resolved swiftly,’ he said.
‘Due to our long-standing constitutional and economic ties it is unwise to think that these islands will not continue to be affected by UK decisions and events along with the wider British family.
‘At the same time there are new opportunities opening up as global free trade deals continue to be negotiated and agreed. Many of these offer unique and discrete new opportunities for Guernsey businesses. That’s why it is vital that we ensure our interests are understood and our relationship with the UK government is resilient.’
Lord Digby Jones, Guernsey Press columnist and founder of the Guernsey Policy and Economics Group, said the new prime minister would face some tough challenges.
‘Even half the number of huge international and domestic challenges would be formidable,’ he said.
‘Even our two most successful peacetime PMs of modern times, Thatcher and Blair, settled into their third terms in office, would blanch at the forbidding list.
‘From grappling with inflation to making Brexit work, from dealing with the energy crisis to facing down politically motivated strikes, last night’s was the best night’s sleep she’s going to get for at least the next two years.’
