Guernsey Press

We were quick to identify our strategic priorities for this term

Two years after the 2020 General Elections, the main States committees have been sharing with the Guernsey Press what they think they have achieved and what their priorities are before the next election in summer 2025. The series concludes with Home Affairs.

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President of Home Affairs Deputy Rob Prow. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 31352016)

As soon as we were elected, our committee was quick to identify our strategic priorities for this term. These remain our focus two years later:

Developing Economic Crime and preparations for Moneyval.

A review of the island’s population and immigration policy.

Responding to the consequences of Brexit.

Justice Policy, including tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence.

A government priority being led by our committee is the upcoming inspection by Moneyval. Ensuring we are prepared for this inspection is essential and our committee recognises that safeguarding the integrity of the finance sector is vital to Guernsey’s reputation and continued prosperity.

The Moneyval inspection will have a strong focus on the effectiveness of economic crime enforcement and with this in mind, the committee created the Economic & Financial Crime Bureau. The bureau will significantly strengthen Guernsey’s approach to tackling financial crime.

Supported by the Law Officers, the committee has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Bailiwick’s criminal justice framework.

These far-reaching legislative projects, captured in four policy letters supported by the Assembly, demonstrate the commitment by government to continue to prioritise our effectiveness in combatting economic and financial crime and compliance with international standards.

Reviewing population and immigration policy was agreed by the Assembly as a top priority for this term under the Government Work Plan.

Our committee brought together political representatives from across the States to help steer the review.

Our proposals, which are supported by a wealth of data and will represent an important piece of the island’s long-term strategic puzzle, will be debated by the Assembly next month.

Work linked to Brexit is often complex and has required a strong commitment to cross-committee working. Our work in this area helped ensure that Guernsey remains in a positive position despite the biggest changes to our customs and immigrations operations for more than 40 years.

The Customs Union with the UK came into force at the start of 2021 and has ensured the continuation of tariff-free trade with the UK, Jersey and Isle of Man providing stability and continuity for business.

The Assembly also approved our proposal to broaden the Domestic Abuse Strategy to include sexual violence.

The strategy looks to maintain and enhance existing services as well as identifying opportunities for further investment to support one of the most vulnerable groups in the community.

One of several such initiatives is the development of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which remains a priority and work is progressing well, with funding secured to deliver a pilot scheme.

We also have plans to make significant improvements to legislation around domestic abuse and sexual violence within this States term.

Our committee is a huge proponent of cross-committee work, which is essential to meet the needs of our community.

Our ability to respond to the conflict in Ukraine has once again demonstrated how we can work together, overcome barriers and deliver at pace.

Working closely across committees, Home Affairs aligned with UK immigration policy to facilitate the adoption of the family and extension schemes, closely followed by our bespoke sponsorship scheme.