JERSEY has stolen a constitutional march on Guernsey, it is claimed today. Chief Minister Frank Walker is expected to make an announcement at the beginning of next month cementing its relationship with the UK.
The Jersey Evening Post understands that the agreement will give certainty to international finance businesses trading in that island as to what future arrangements will be and it will make the island even more attractive to potential new entrants.
Guernsey was not included in the deal. Local deputies yesterday met behind closed doors to discuss constitutional scenarios, including independence and the status quo.
Jersey’s move follows a long series of discussions and negotiations with the UK’s Department of Constitutional Affairs.
The chief minister’s statement will outline the future relationship between Westminster and Jersey.
Senator Walker would not be drawn on the content.
‘I anticipate making a major statement about this on or about 1 May,’ he said. ‘It has come through hard work with the Lord Chancellor’s department and I would like to thank Lord Falconer and his officials for their assistance.’
He added that an awful lot of work had gone into getting to the point at which an outline of the future arrangements could be formalised.
‘It will put quite a lot into perspective. We are in complete agreement on how to progress. This is something that we have negotiated with the Lord Chancellor’s office ourselves.’
The JEP believes prospects of a similar deal any time soon for Guernsey are unlikely because the UK Government requires the Guernsey States to deal with some issues related to Sark.
Senator Walker said that Jersey’s international personality had never been so strong.
‘There is no doubt we are more highly regarded than we have ever been. We have overcome a number of threats and have agreements in place - signed in our own right - that allow business to be conducted with a variety of other countries,’ he said.
Senator Walker also revealed that Guernsey had asked for, and been given, access to research conducted by Jersey on options for constitutional reform.
It has prepared for scenarios that include being forced to break from the UK or choosing to do so.
Jersey has already set up a working party headed by the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, to investigate the constitutional position.
Guernsey has not been included.
Local deputies met yesterday at La Trelade for what has been described as an educational seminar.
The media were locked out despite earlier indications that they might be able to report under Chatham House rules whereby anonymity is maintained.
The meeting was chaired by the Bailiff, Geoffrey Rowland, with rounds of applause and laughter at times heard coming from it.
Health minister Peter Roffey broke ranks despite Chief Minister Mike Torode’s instructions not to talk about it yet.
He said it had been extremely useful but did not think independence was high on the political agenda.
Article posted on 21st April, 2007 - 12.00am
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