Guernsey’s future prosperity relies on its cooperation with the UK and the European Union. according to Lord Falconer. The former Lord Chancellor, and the UK’s first Secretary of State for Justice, above, was speaking ahead of his appearance as keynote speaker at last night’s Guernsey Awards for Achievement gala.
It was imperative Guernsey did not ignore these relationships with the world going through a tricky period of economic decline, terrorist risk and security and immigration issues.
‘These factors will mean the world will want to have more cooperation and the EU will get stronger.
‘For Guernsey, I think the two things that make it successful is its autonomy and the fact that it also has close links to the UK through the Crown.
‘It’s a place that can make decisions for itself and still benefit from the UK’s relationship with the rest of the world.
‘From my experience of the last four years, Guernsey should see the Ministry of Justice as their friend in the UK Government.’
Despite the omission of the Bailiff from the Queen’s New Year Honours list, he refuted suggestions that the UK Labour Government ‘had it in’ for the island. Instead, politicians in the environment of Europe had Guernsey’s best interests in mind.
‘Over the last 30 years, Guernsey has established its own commercial relationship with financial industries in Europe, America and Asia and there’s scope for tension between Guernsey and the UK, but Guernsey and the UK have both been good at making sure that mutually beneficial agreements have been reached.
‘That depends on close personal relationships between the officials of the UK and Guernsey and the politicians of the UK and Guernsey.
‘The more they see each other, the more the UK Government will understand the particular position with Guernsey and the more it will be able to propose solutions to particular pressures which it can deliver for the UK but at the same time protect Guernsey’s interest.’
As Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, Lord Falconer had direct responsibility for the Crown Dependencies from 2003 to 2007.
He last visited Guernsey in November 2004 to discuss the island’s constitutional position.
The expected ratification by parliament of the Lisbon Treaty would in no way bind Guernsey to the EU or impact on the island because Protocol 3, which governs the island’s relationship with the EU, was not being touched.
‘Protocol 3 is still strong and is unaffected by the Lisbon Treaty.
‘I think the UK is very keen to preserve the relationship it has with Guernsey.
However, the problems of the world mean that international cooperation is the only way to deal with issues economic and otherwise.
‘That means the UK making agreements, where we, the UK, don’t always get everything we want and the same will be true for Guernsey.
‘It’s nothing to do with the UK or the EU having any hostility towards Guernsey.
‘The reality is that international dealing means give, take and compromise.
‘It doesn’t mean the other side is out to get you.’
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