Wednesday 29 March 2017
In February 2017, Policy & Resources Committee President Gavin St Pier wrote to the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, to inform the UK Government of the States of Deliberation's own parliamentary process in respect of the triggering of Article 50.
The Prime Minister has now responded providing assurances that the political commitments and calls made in the last couple of months by the States of Guernsey, and in the UK Parliament, to respect our interests have the full support of the UK Government.
Deputy St Pier said:
"Following the publication of the views of both the House of Lords' EU Committee and the House of Commons' Justice Committee that the UK Government must not forget about the Crown Dependencies, I am encouraged by the Prime Minister's commitment to respect the constitutional relationship, to work together on policy priorities such as immigration and to forge new trading relationships together. I also welcome the Prime Minister's acknowledgment of the importance of the engagement of the States of Deliberation during the exit process. This will be vital when we reach milestone decisions during the next couple of years."
Following the exchanges, Deputy St Pier has responded to the Prime Minister's letter in accordance with the amendment agreed during the States' debate on Article 50 held on 8 March 2017. This is to ensure that the UK Government are aware of the States' view that:
"... the rights of EU nationals resident and economically active in Guernsey should be a priority area in any negotiations with the UK Government ..."
and that...
"...the States' wish to see those rights assured as soon as possible and not delayed as part of any extended negotiation process over the terms of the British exit from the EU."
