Fishing for grounds for optimism

But the reality is that it has happened. The UK and EU have done a deal. Guernsey has signed up to the agreement as it pertains to us.

Attempts to unpick a treaty running to more than 1,000 pages may find a distinct lack of enthusiasm in London and Brussels in the present and immediate future.

The situation means we must address the challenges and opportunities now facing us.

So, it is heartening to know the States of Guernsey’s Brexit team is focused on these issues as demonstrated during a Chamber of Commerce seminar yesterday.

There was acknowledgement of ‘wrinkles in the road’ as Brexit practicalities play out and a pledge to engage with business to see how they could be ironed out. One example raised during the event was looking at potential options as the cost of visas for EU nationals coming to Guernsey to work in the hospitality sector.

It is also welcome that the States officials are looking too at the opportunities. Guernsey’s fishing deal with the French, which helped cement tariff-free access for goods for us into the EU, was highlighted as a launch-pad for initiatives. In particular, progressing plans for a direct electricity link to France from Guernsey.

Proponents of the scheme see it as vital to enhance our energy security and a low carbon future. To get anywhere with such a major project requires good relations with our Norman cousins, as was noted at the seminar. It could indeed be the start of a new era with France, and the deepening of our own unique special relationship.

On a global level, the seminar heard there were also grounds for optimism. The UK is focused on signing free trade agreements with countries across the world, which Guernsey can join too. As well as offering the prospect of tariff-free trade in goods, there is hope such FTAs could encompass services. That is a big deal for us. It offers new markets for our critical finance industry – which has seen signs of stress – and could be good news in terms of jobs and tax revenue.