THE possibility of the Crown Dependencies becoming independent sovereign states was discussed by the islands’ respective political leaders yesterday.

It was the first time the islands had had an opportunity to talk about the possible move since the release of a report by Jersey’s Constitution Review Group, which said there was nothing to be feared from breaking the 800-year link with the UK.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (pictured), who was in Douglas, Isle of Man, with Deputy Chief Minister Bernard Flouquet at the annual Crown Dependencies meeting, said the politicians had had an interesting discussion on the issue. He remained tight-lipped about his thoughts on the matter for now, but he is expected to discuss them in more detail later this week.

‘The timing of the meeting proved particularly useful to allow us to hear from Jersey on its Constitutional Review Report, said the chief minister. ‘I must make it clear that it was stressed by the Jersey contingent that the issue from their perspective is about assessing some of the implications of moving towards a full independent position. The report does not address the desirability or otherwise of making such changes.’