On Wednesday 2 November, the Chief Ministers of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man met with Robin Walker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union.
This is the first of the formal quarterly meetings between the Crown Dependencies and Minister Walker, who has responsibility within his department for ensuring that the CDs’ interests are understood and taken into account as the UK prepares for and engages in negotiations to leave the European Union.
Senator Ian Gorst, Chief Minister of Jersey, said: ‘This meeting was a good opportunity to build on the important joint work that has been taking place at official level between the Crown Dependencies and the United Kingdom since the Brexit vote.
‘The granting of specific responsibility to Minister Walker within his department for liaising with the Crown Dependencies is a very welcome step and I look forward to working with him to ensure that the CDs’ voices are heard at all levels of Government in the months and years ahead.’
Deputy Gavin St. Pier, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said: ‘During our first quarterly meeting with the new UK Department for Exiting the EU, it was reassuring to find that we have benefitted from the preparation we have undertaken before and after the EU referendum.
‘As the UK prepares to leave the EU, the working relationship we are creating means that we are well placed to ensure our interests are known, understood and taken into account. It will also ensure we are ready to react to secure our best interests when it becomes clearer what leaving the EU will mean for the UK.’
The recently elected Chief Minister for the Isle of Man, Howard Quayle MHK added:
‘I very much welcomed this first opportunity to meet formally with Minister Walker and reiterate the importance the Isle of Man and our fellow Crown Dependencies place on continuing communication and cooperation between our governments through the process of preparing for Brexit.
‘As our existing relationship with the EU through Protocol 3 will cease once the UK formally withdraws from the EU, we have a direct interest in the terms of the UK’s withdrawal and the negotiation of a future relationship.’
Minister for Exiting the European Union, Robin Walker MP said: ‘As we approach our negotiations with the European Union we will go on working closely with our friends in the Crown Dependencies, helping to ensure that we get a deal that works for everyone.
‘Our meeting was an important and productive step in our continued discussions, allowing us to understand the challenges and opportunities that will arise for Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.’
