Thursday 17 May 2012
Statement from:
Deputy Peter Harwood, Chief Minister of Guernsey Senator Ian Gorst, Chief Minister of Jersey
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey Senator Paul Routier, Assistant Chief Minister of Jersey
This morning we met at Sir Charles Frossard House in St Peter Port to discuss matters of mutual interest and how our Islands can work together more effectively.
We started at the same point: that there is much common ground between us on both domestic and external issues, and that we should be working together more closely in these areas. By doing so we shall make our case more effectively to the outside world, as well as share the benefits of co-operation and efficiency with our respective communities.
Stronger co-operation will bring political, economic, social and cultural benefits.
We have agreed to prioritise domestic and external areas where we will work together, and this will form the basis of discussion with members of Guernsey's Policy Council and Jersey's Council of Ministers. More formal meetings between our two Islands will take place more regularly, starting in the summer, when we will review areas of mutual interest in external relations, such as Europe and political engagement with the UK. We will seek to provide a more united front to the wider world.
Ministers in both Islands will be encouraged to work together more closely, and to seek out areas where together we can deliver services more effectively.
We are under no illusions that we need to act together as well as talk together. Today's meeting was a big step forward, and has set a fresh and very positive tone for the ongoing political and practical relationship between our two Islands.
