AN EMERGING campaign to change the island’s relationship with the UK has received heavyweight business, legal and political support. In a letter published in today’s Guernsey Press, 14 prominent islanders have confirmed their backing for Ozannes senior partner Roger Perrot’s call for Guernsey to modify existing ties with the United Kingdom.

Mr Perrot wants the island to seek dominion status with a written constitution unsusceptible to manipulation by outsiders.

The campaigners, who include Blue Diamond Group chairman Geoff Dorey, Advocate Peter Ferbrache and Bachmann Group chairman Peter Bachmann, want an open debate on the relationship between Guernsey and the UK.

Mr Dorey said having one would reveal whether islanders were content with the current position or would like change.

‘If there’s widespread support for greater independence, it can only do our politicians good to have that behind them when they go over to Whitehall.

‘I don’t see any risk in having a debate on it because it’s freedom of speech.

‘There may be some risk in taking the steps to make it happen, but not in having a debate.’

In their letter, the 14 say they believe some decisions have been made with HM Government which should have been agreed with the authority of the States as a whole.

The group also say that a similar debate in Jersey would be welcome in the hope that the two Bailiwicks might act jointly.

Housing minister Dave Jones is another supporter of greater independence.

‘Our ability to govern ourselves is being gradually eroded by legislation coming out of Brussels that is being forced upon us. It is a gradual erosion of the Guernsey way into the EU norm.

‘The savings directive is another example, together with the code of conduct legislation.’

He said something needed to be done quickly because he and others think Guernsey is inadequately protected from factions within the EU, and possibly the UK, who want to exploit the island’s constitutional position and end autonomy altogether.

‘That may sound over-dramatic, but have you seen any evidence that there has been any respect for our constitutional position, certainly since the Blair government came to power?

‘I feel that the whole issue of this island’s future and the potential threats to our well-being ought to be the subject of a detailed discussion by States members. It would seem that our constitutional position is discussed in every other parliament except ours.

‘My preference would be the drafting of a written bill of rights that would enshrine once and for all our privileges and constitutional freedoms in an unambiguous written constitution for the Channel Islands.’

A spokesman at the Department for Constitutional Affairs said it could not have a view on Advocate Perrot’s suggestions and that it was a matter for the Guernsey government. ‘Whether it’s a twinkle in their eye or not, it’s a question only the Guernsey government can answer.’