Wednesday 26 September 2012
Guernsey's Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq has welcomed comments at the Liberal Democrat conference that Guernsey is an asset and not a problem for the UK.
The Deputy Chief Minister is currently in Brighton for the Liberal Democrat Conference, where he has been briefing Liberal Democrat politicians on Guernsey's tax transparency and co-operation, and on the positive contribution Guernsey makes to the UK economy.
Deputy Le Tocq commented:
"Guernsey and the Channel Islands are good neighbours to the UK, and we do make a contribution to UK plc. The Policy Council is working hard to ensure our working relationship with the UK is constructive on a wide range of issues, and so to hear that senior Liberal Democrats understand that point is heartening."
Deputy Le Tocq has also met with representatives of the French Embassy at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, along with Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister Senator Sir Philip Bailhache.
Deputy Le Tocq commented:
"It is important that we engage openly and candidly with the French government. There are many positive aspects to the Channel Islands' relationship with France, which we should seek to develop, and where there are misperceptions we need to address them. That is always most productively done face-to-face."
The Deputy Chief Minister has also had meetings with representatives of the US Embassy as well as the Turkish Ambassador, along with Senator Bailhache. Further meetings are taking place with Parliamentarians including Treasury affairs and financial regulation expert Baroness Susan Kramer; Justice Select Committee Chair Sir Alan Beith MP; and Home Affairs Committee Chair Baroness Hamwee.
Deputy Le Tocq commented:
"My key message over the past three days has been that Guernsey is a mature democracy that meets and often exceeds the highest international standards. I am pleased that there has been some recognition of that, but it is important that we continue to promote and protect our interests to the UK Government and to others."
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