CUTTING ties with the UK is still some way off, according to Deputy Graham Guille.
The Vale deputy (pictured) has been a long-standing supporter of greater independence for Guernsey and has more than once called for a public debate on the issue.
He has yet to see the Jersey Constitution Review Group report, which said there was nothing to be feared from breaking the 800-year link with the UK, but said it had once more given the matter another important airing.
‘I don’t think Jersey would be able to do it on its own. It would have to be as a viable unit such as the Confederation of the Channel Islands because we wouldn’t be big enough to achieve it on our own.
‘But I think we are still some way off from where I would be recommending us to do that. However, it’s always interesting to see what the other sides are thinking.’
Jersey’s review group, headed by Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache, found no insurmountable obstacle to the island becoming independent.
The document outlined what needed to be done if it ever felt forced into independence and even put a price on it: an initial cost of £3m. and annual running costs of about £11.3m.
The issue was also discussed at Monday’s Crown Dependencies annual meeting.
Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said afterwards that it was always useful to consider constitutional papers and that the report made some interesting points, particularly in relation to cost.
Deputy Guille said it was important not to forget the role the UK could play in any change of our constitution.
‘We never quite know where we are going to be with the UK. As Deputy Dave Jones [a member of the Policy Council’s external relations group] has said in the past, they can’t even look after their own independence so to think they can look after ours is wishful thinking.
‘But whatever we decided to do, I think we are still some way off it.’
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