CHIEF MINISTER Lyndon Trott (pictured) does not believe there is the desire among islanders to explore the possibility of gaining independence from the UK.
He said Jersey’s Constitution Review Group’s report into the matter, which said there was nothing to be feared from breaking the 800-year link, was an interesting document, but at this stage it went no further than that.
‘My belief is that the island of Guernsey considers its loyalty to the British Crown as something to be treasured and I do not detect at this stage any pressure for any significant change in our constitutional relationship with the UK.
‘But debate on our constitutional relationship helps to ensure that we continue to progress as a community with an increasing international personality.’
The review, which was led by Jersey Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache, found that there was no insurmountable obstacle to the island becoming independent.
It outlined what needed to be done if Jersey ever felt forced into independence, and even took into consideration the costs involved.
Deputy Trott said it was important to remember that fact.
‘It did not concern itself with the matters or otherwise of independence, but simply what would be required if it became inevitable.
‘The scope of the Jersey report was very clear. It was to address what work would be required if Jersey was obliged to became independent due to external pressures,’ he said.
‘But I believe it is a useful document because all policy makers should have a clear understanding as to our constitutional relationship with the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
‘Reviews like this ensure policy makers can appreciate the consequences of constitutional change.’
Article posted on 9th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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8 Article Comments
I admire the Chief Minister for his assumption but I believe that a growing number of Guernsey people would be keen to explore the possibilities of independence.
I would interested to hear the opinions of Roger Perrot and Dave Jones on the subject.
The islands would appear to be in a unique position on the edge of Europe to benefit from political, social and economic independence.
I can see no benefit in Guernsey being dragged further into the EU via the stealth of the UK Government.
why yes , go independent , i am english and when i was 18 / 19 year old i was taken to court for living in a local market flat . you forget who liberated your island ,and when i joined the TA army i had to swear to protect england and the channel islands ,now that did put a large lump in my throat.
You did wait until after the Germans had surrendered before “Liberating” us though
i do believe H M S bulldog and another royal navy ship ordered the surrender of guernsey from the commandant of the island , also england was fighting a war from france to berlin , not that we got invaded ourselves , and guernsey wasnt getting bombed daily like the uk , but as always the english fight on ..not like some
It’s nice to see that you do not hold a grudge Stephen, even if you do live in the past.
Guernsey did get bombed as the British forgot to tell the Germans they were not defending the islands. And our men were right there fighting with the English from France to Berlin although this time we did not form a regiment to be sacrificed as in WW1. Our remaining population tied up 10,000 German troops.
Britain will not retain our loyalty unless they are prepared to give us some loyalty in return.
I do not agree with Mr. Trott, I am sure a lot of LOCAL Islanders would like the idea of going for independece, but as we all know, politicians rarely listen to the public.
I have also been told from various people who are old enough to remember that Guernsey had more volunteers per square mile for the two world wars than anywhere in England. So for the “We Liberated You” gang, Please remember that.
To Stephen and Stephen, the islands were effectively abandoned by the UK to the mercy of the Germans. How can we “fight on” when you take our military? Then the Whitehall cock up that led to the UK forgetting to mention to Germany that we had been demilitarised led to our bombing.
Our special relationship to the crown was earned for our loyalty to the UK when King John lost the territory of Normandy.
I’m all for exploring the options for Guernsey’s Independence.