Building Bonds Between The Bailiwick And MoJ

Thursday, 17 August 2023 09:00

The MP responsible for managing the relationship with the Crown Dependencies has been in the Bailiwick.

Mike Freer MP spent two days in Guernsey and one in Sark meeting politicians.

President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, says this in-person meeting will help the MP advise the Lord Chancellor on issues relating to the islands:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome Mike Freer MP to Guernsey on his first official visit to the Bailiwick

The Ministry of Justice acts as the Crown Dependencies’ link to the UK Government on behalf of the Crown.

As the Minister responsible for managing that relationship, it is important for Mr Freer to see the islands for himself to gain a better understanding of the Bailiwick.

We have been able to cover a range of topics during the meetings in Guernsey, including our interests in new UK trade agreements being negotiated by the UK post-Brexit and various social and economic policy objectives."

Mr Freer says it was a productive trip:

“I was keen to visit the islands in person at the earliest opportunity, having already met with Bailiwick representatives in London and virtually.

The programme for my first trip to the Bailiwick has given me an opportunity to see some of the similarities and differences between the islands, explore inter-island relationships and their constitutional relationships with the UK in more depth, and to understand the current priorities for each government.”

Scheduling prevented Mr Freer from visiting Alderney, but he plans to return later this year.