Tuesday 01 October 2013
Guernsey's relationship with UK politicians has been strengthened by a series of meetings at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
Guernsey's Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, attended the conference, and met with MPs and MEPs from across the Conservative Party.
Deputy Le Tocq said:
"The Prime Minister's recent positive public comments about Guernsey and the Crown Dependencies, reinforced by the Secretary of State for Justice's comments in Guernsey last week, demonstrate that the Conservatives understand the value Guernsey brings to the British family, not least in economic terms.
I have been heartened by the supportive comments made about Guernsey from politicians across the Conservative Party. There now appears to be a much greater understanding of who we are, what we do, and why we are good for the UK's long-term economic competitiveness.
I have also been able to meet campaigners from Christian Aid and Action Aid at the Conference. I have reminded them that Guernsey is a responsible global citizen - not just in terms of tax transparency, but also through the international development efforts that we support."
Deputy Le Tocq held a number of joint meetings in conjunction with Jersey's Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst.
Deputy Le Tocq said:
"Ian and I have worked hard to demonstrate that the Channel Islands should be seen by the Conservatives as a partner and good neighbour to the UK."
The Deputy Chief Minister also met with the Isle of Man's Chief Minister, Allan Bell MHK, and representatives from Overseas Territories such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.
-ENDS-