UK must know we will fight for our rights

Wearing his usual hat as the president of Policy & Resources and therefore the island’s de facto leader, rather than the leader of the assisted dying requerants, Gavin St Pier drew some vivid red lines between the UK and Guernsey.

The constitutional implications of the House of Commons’ debate on beneficial ownership registers were addressed in robust terms that should be ringing alarm bells in Whitehall.

There were only four signatories to amendment NC14, calling for a decision of the UK parliament to be imposed on the Crown Dependencies. And it was withdrawn after intense lobbying by leaders of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Nevertheless, it remains unacceptable that the island should have to fight so hard to maintain its constitutional rights against such attacks.

Deputy St Pier reported that a number of MPs were prepared to step over that red line and breach the islands’ rights. It was not so much the effect of the proposed order in council – which would have dubious legality – as the willingness of MPs even to consider it.

Nor has that threat gone away. The campaigners for an open register have made it clear they intend to find another way to bring the islands to heel.

Deputy St Pier, who is to be congratulated not only for the effectiveness of his lobbying but the resolute manner in which he defends the islands, is determined that Guernsey should have as much firepower in its constitutional armoury as possible.

In that, the three Crown Dependencies can work together, comparing their respective relationships with the UK and establishing the strongest position.

It might all come to nothing. The beneficial ownership issue will pass through the UK parliament and peace may be restored.

But it would be foolish to imagine that further attacks on other issues, Brexit included, will not follow. The UK should now be made fully aware that the islands are determined to protect their constitutional rights.

For, as the Overseas Territories are finding, nothing can be taken for granted in Westminster.