THE UK Ministry of Justice has been told to keep a watching brief on Sark after fears about Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay’s influence were raised during a Crown Dependencies inquiry.

Members from the Justice Select Committee visited the island as part of its review into how the Ministry of Justice represented the islands.

‘When we visited Sark, we were told of the considerable economic and political power exercised by Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay,’ the committee’s report said.

‘We were also told that the Barclays were engaged in a long-running battle of attrition with individuals, particularly members of Chief Pleas, whereby the Barclays repeatedly instructed their lawyers to write to individuals demanding retractions or apologies in order to protect their interests and reputation,’ the committee said.

‘We were told that such legal action rarely comes to court because the islanders involved often cannot afford to defend themselves and simply capitulate, however unwillingly.’

The committee has not tested these allegations in evidence and did not want to take sides or make judgment on these issues.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.