Gavin St Pier (pictured), Guernsey's President of the Policy & Resources Committee, has issued a statement on the UK's Withdrawal Agreement from the EU, announced this week.
"Guernsey and the UK government remain in regular contact in relation to both the Withdrawal Agreement and the future relationship with the EU. I welcome the reaffirmation yesterday that, as set out in the UK's White Paper in July, the UK will be seeking specific arrangements for Guernsey and the Crown Dependencies, taking account of our existing relationship and arrangements with the EU.
"The Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear that our interests are not going to be excluded from the ongoing negotiations and I am pleased that continues to be reflected in the UK's position.
"As noted in March this year, the Implementation Period being put forward in the Withdrawal Agreement would apply to the Crown Dependencies, maintaining the status quo in most areas including the movement of goods. It also covers the protection of the rights of EU nationals and of British nationals."
In addition, Jersey’s Minister for External Relations has welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s statement on the Withdrawal Agreement.
Senator Ian Gorst (left) said: “I particularly welcome the reference in the Agreement to the fact that the UK will be seeking specific arrangements for Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies, that take into account our existing relationships with the EU.”
Jersey’s government has said it will continue to engage with the UK as details of the Withdrawal Agreement emerge. Jersey’s Brexit objectives remain:
• To continue the fundamentals of Jersey’s existing relationship with the UK
• To continue, as far as possible, the benefits of the island's relationship with the EU
• To ensure Jersey has the right agreements and international relationships in place to benefit from global opportunities arising from Brexit.
Senator Gorst added: “Jersey’s Brexit readiness planning will continue until any deal is agreed. We have a positive outlook and are working hard to position the island as an influential partner and to strengthen our relationships in EU and non-EU markets.”