Sark Seigneur Michael Beaumont.
JACK STRAW faces a legal challenge after the UK’s Privy Council yesterday approved Sark’s move to democracy.
Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay’s advocate, Gordon Dawes, said they are seeking a judicial review because the key roles of Seigneur and Seneschal have not been reformed.
The move targets Mr Straw, Secretary of State for Justice, and the Committee for Channel Island Affairs for the decision to put Sark’s reform law forward for royal assent and it being granted.
The law ends feudalism, where seats were reserved in the island’s government, Chief Pleas, for land owners, and means the next chamber will comprise all elected deputies.
‘We’re looking for an urgent hearing before the end of May. Urgency is important because we don’t want to delay the new reforms or the elections,’ said Advocate Dawes yesterday.
‘The complaint is that it’s wrong not to reform the position of Seigneur or Seneschal. Without reforming these two offices, there will not be full democracy in Sark.’
Sir David and Sir Frederick are known to be unhappy with some of the powers the unelected Seigneur will retain, such as being able to veto legislation, the dual role of the Seneschal as both president of Chief Pleas and the island’s judge.
The Reform (Sark) Law 2008 and the Real Property (Transfer Tax, Charging and Related Provisions) (Sark) Law 2007 were given royal assent by Her Majesty in Council yesterday afternoon.
‘It is now for Sark to implement the new legislation and to continue its process of constitutional reform,’ said a Ministry of Justice spokesman.
He confirmed that the decision to recommend the legislation for Royal Assent was being challenged by way of judicial review.
‘We are unable to comment further on ongoing litigation,’ he added.
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2 Article Comments
So the Barclay Brothers are seeking a judicial review (yet again) for the roles of the Seigneur and Seneschal of Sark. It’s time for them to find some other island to play on. There’s a 1000 or more in the St. Lawrence River, Canada. I suggest they go there. Sark has managed very well for How long over 400 years I think. A beautiful place is being ruined by excess money and egos to go with it.
The very fabric of Sark and all that went to make it what is has been in the past is being gutted by the actions of two who now own 20 percent of the island. You can’t buy history. Please someone over there put a restriction on the ownership of the island. There really isn’t that much to go around.
There is a very interesting article in todays edition of the Times newspaper 19th April 2008, I recommend all those interested should read it. It’s on the Web.