Good opportunity to discuss the state of play – Le Tocq

The relationship between the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man with the United Kingdom will be examined by the Justice Committee at one of its regular sessions today.

The territories are all self-governing dependencies of the Crown. However, the UK is responsible for their defence and international relations.

Deputy Le Tocq will be joined by the Isle of Man chief minister Alfred Cannan, and Jersey’s external affairs minister Deputy Philip Ozouf.

He said he was looking forward to presenting evidence to the Justice Select Committee.

‘In 2010 the-then Justice Committee published its first report into the relationship with the Crown Dependences, and this report was pivotal in changing the way that Whitehall engages with the States of Guernsey,’ he said.

‘There have been several reports and evidence sessions since then, including on the effects of Brexit. This hearing follows the last session held in September 2021 and provides a good opportunity to discuss the state of play of the relationship following several changes in the UK government since that time, as well our engagement in ongoing free-trade negotiations.’

The Ministry of Justice has departmental responsibility for managing the constitutional relationship between the UK and the island territories.

The inquiry session will look at the working relationship between the Crown Dependencies and the Ministry of Justice, as well as their relationship with the UK government, their participation in international treaties, the extension of UK legislation to the Crown Dependencies, and the future constitutional relationship between the Crown Dependencies and the legislative process for obtaining Royal Assent.

The public session starts at 2.30pm and can be viewed at https://committees.parliament.uk/event/18408.