Monday 24 September 2012
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Guernsey's Deputy Chief Minister, has described his first set of meetings at the Liberal Democrat party conference in Brighton as "constructive".
Deputy Le Tocq arrived in Brighton on Sunday afternoon, and later that day met with Stephen Williams MP, who chairs the Liberal Democrats' Treasury Committee. He also met with Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Bruce MP, who chairs the House of Commons International Development Select Committee.
Deputy Le Tocq said:
"The meetings were constructive in both tone and content. It is important in the current political and economic climate, in the UK and beyond, that we consistently and clearly make the case that Guernsey is part of the solution, and not in any way a problem. Stephen and Sir Malcolm had questions about our tax system and our regulatory regime, for example and it is best to deal with these face to face and build good relationships. Attending the conference enables us to answer many such questions from a variety of politicians all at once, which is a better use of resources and time."
Deputy Le Tocq also met with Lord McNally, the Justice Minister with responsibility for the UK's relationship with the Crown Dependencies, on Monday morning.
Deputy Le Tocq said:
"The working relationship with Lord McNally is very strong. His ongoing support is helping us to ensure that Guernsey Ministers meet UK ministerial counterparts to establish productive working relationships across the UK government; this is greatly appreciated. His non-Crown Dependency ministerial responsibilities are also aligned with many of mine, and we discussed initiatives in some of those areas, such as prisons and criminal justice."
Other meetings with Liberal Democrat politicians will take place over the duration of Deputy Le Tocq's trip to Brighton. Later on Monday meetings are scheduled to take place with Baroness Maddock and Tom Brake MP, which will also involve Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister Senator Sir Philip Bailhache.
Deputy Le Tocq commented:
"I am delighted that Sir Philip and I will be working closely in Brighton. We are very keen to build greater understanding between the Channel Islands and UK Parliamentarians."
Deputy Le Tocq has also attended policy roundtables and meetings on criminal justice, public service reform, youth social policy and Third Sector engagement. On Tuesday he has a further programme of meetings, and this is scheduled to include meetings with US and French representatives with Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister, meetings with other UK Parliamentarians, and a meeting with Ministers from the Isle of Man who are also attending the Conference.
Deputy Le Tocq said:
"The Chief Minister and Deputy Stewart will be attending the Conservative Party conference in a fortnight's time. Once the conference season is out of the way, we will be reviewing the benefits of our attendance at these events and will also ensure that the costs of attending the conferences are published."
-ENDS-
Contact Information
External Relations Team
Tel: 01481 717 131
E-mail: pressroom@gov.gg
