FOUR years after the idea was first floated, a Channel Island political alliance is back on the agenda. Jersey Senator Philip Ozouf is sending details of a proposal for a Channel Island Commission to all Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney politicians.

He hopes it will be discussed at the highest level between Guernsey’s Policy Council and Policy and Resources in Jersey.

The senator believes greater co-operation could save money, increase efficiency and make the islands a more powerful economic force.

Housing Minister Deputy Dave Jones, who heads a Guernsey delegation meeting Jersey politicians today, said the idea would be sensible and beneficial for all the islands. ‘This has been something Senator Ozouf has tried to do for several years and I would applaud any mutual co-operation between the islands that would strengthen our position when negotiating with external pressures that are being foisted on us.’

He said that the islands would always maintain a rivalry.

‘But in serious matters such as government we ought to be more closely aligned so we’re fighting from a position of strength together rather than individual weakness.’

The proposed commission would have three members from Jersey, three from Guernsey and one from Alderney.

But it would not be the first step to regional government.

‘This is about co-operating where it is sensible for us to co-operate for the benefit of all Channel Islanders but it is not about pan-island government,’ said Senator Ozouf.

The commission would aim to identify efficiencies, achieve economic growth, secure better value for money, higher standards of living and an increased standard of services.

It would also identify opportunities for closer co-operation in various fields.

These include competition and utility regulation, financial services regulation, marketing in export markets, provision of health services and corporate taxation policy.

‘There is a lot of talk about mutual co-operation but at the moment that is mostly all it is – talk,’ said Senator Ozouf.

‘This is a suggested starting point, a discussion document and I would be very happy if Policy and Resources were to take it on. If there was the will and leadership from the islands we could make significant progress to the mutual benefit of all the islands.’

The idea of a Federation of the Channel Islands received top-level backing after it was called for at the Institute of Directors conference in October 2000.

It was raised again by Senator Ozouf at last year’s conference.

Health Minister Deputy Peter Roffey said the proposal would be an evolution on the dialogue that already happens between the islands.

‘I’m all in favour of co-operation and many individual departments already do,’ he said.

‘Traditionally Advisory and Finance has worked together with Jersey, Alderney, the Isle of Man and to an extent Gibraltar, in areas of common interest.’

He said that, while he would not support the idea of a Channel Island Federation as discussed in the past, he always welcomed room for dialogue.

‘I’m sure if it was put forward by Jersey, Guernsey would consider it.’