Channel Islands government and businesses have issued their responses to yesterday’s general election in the UK, which has resulted in a hung Parliament.
Jersey Chamber of Commerce
During this period of uncertainty that a hung parliament produces, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce would call upon the island’s government to maintain open communication with their UK counterparts while a new government is formed.
President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce Eliot Lincoln (pictured) said: “The speedy formation of a UK government is something that would enable Jersey’s external relations team to continue Brexit discussions on behalf of the island and business community.
“We have been closely monitoring Brexit developments over the last 12 months, as new trade deals, tariffs and the free movement of people have been debated during early stage discussions. These are all proposals that could have a considerable impact on island businesses.
“It is therefore imperative that once a UK government is formed, Jersey’s Chief Minister engages in immediate and regular talks to ensure that Jersey is at the forefront of UK EU Brexit negotiations.
“A partnership between the Conservatives and the Democratic Unionist Party may pave the way for a softer Brexit deal, especially on issues such as the free movement of people. Continued access to the European workforce talent pool, will maintain recruitment flexibility for Jersey businesses.”
Like the UK, Jersey will be heading to the polls in 12 months for its own general election and for the island to continue to prosper, we must have a stable government that is pro-business, supports flexible employment legislation and provides infrastructure that enables innovation. Moreover, a government that actively engages with younger voters, who have played a major part in the overall election result.
The Jersey Chamber of Commerce would strongly urge our government to ensure engagement with the business community, across all demographics is prioritised.
States of Jersey
The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst (pictured), said the Government of Jersey will be able to work productively with the new British government when it is formed, as well as Parliamentarians of all parties.
“It has been our consistent policy to develop strong relationships with members of parties across the political spectrum in the UK, particularly to ensure that they understand Jersey’s constitutional position and robust approach to tackling tax evasion and other forms of financial crime.
“We have worked well with the current UK government on a variety of issues and have also built productive relationships with the Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Foreign Secretary.
“I am confident we will be able to work productively alongside any new government to ensure that the best possible deal is achieved for the island in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.”
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, added: “In light of the potential impacts of Brexit on the island, I look forward the opportunity to work closely with the UK Minister responsible for the Crown Dependencies at the Ministry of Justice, and their ministerial colleague at the Department for Exiting the European Union, once they are appointed.
“The Ministry of External Relations and Jersey London Office have built a network of official and political contacts across Whitehall on a range of matters and we expect a high degree of continuity and stability in advance of the Brexit negotiations this Autumn.”
States of Guernsey
President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Gavin St Pier (pictured) said: "Guernsey stands ready to work with whatever UK government emerges.
“As part of the family of the British Isles, through the British-Irish Council and the All-Party Parliamentary Channel Islands Group, the States of Guernsey has developed and maintains a wide network of contacts across the UK political spectrum. These will stand us in good stead in the coming months.
“It will be vital for the new UK government to fully understand and respect Guernsey's 800-year-old constitutional relationship with the Crown, in order to fulfil its responsibilities in representing the interests of the Crown Dependencies. We will therefore look to engage with the new Government as early as possible, once formed."