External relations of Guernsey

Guernsey
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Guernsey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. As a bailiwick, Guernsey embraces not only all ten parishes on the Island of Guernsey, but also the islands of Alderney and Sark – each with their own parliament – and the smaller islands of Herm, Jethou and Lihou. Although its defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom,^[1] the Bailiwick is not part of the United Kingdom, but, as its description suggests, a possession of the Crown. Consequently, though it lies within the Common Travel Area of the European Union, it is not part of the European Union.

Consulates

Several European countries have consulate presence in the island. The French Consulate is based at Victor Hugo's former residence at Hauteville House.

Independence debate

While Guernsey has complete autonomy over internal affairs and certain external matters, the topic of complete independence from the British Crown has been discussed widely and frequently, with ideas ranging from Guernsey obtaining independence as a Commonwealth realm to the bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey uniting and forming an independent Federal State within the Commonwealth, whereby both islands retain their independence with regards to domestic affairs but internationally, the islands would be regarded as one state.^[2]

Relations with Jersey

A Guernsey-Jersey double taxation agreement was first signed in 1956.

In 1998 Guernsey and Jersey electricity companies formed the Channel Islands Electricity Grid to operate and manage the submarine cables between Europe and the Channel Islands.

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Jersey. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

In September 2010 a Channel Islands Brussels Office was set up jointly by the two Bailiwicks to develop the Channel Islands' influence with the EU, to advise the Channel Islands' governments on European matters, and to promote economic links with the EU.^[4]

On 24 January 2013 Jersey signed double taxation agreements with Guernsey (updating the existing agreement) and with the Isle of Man.^[5] This was the first time all three Crown dependencies had established such mutual agreements which also included provision for exchange of tax information equivalent to TIEAs.^[6]

A fishing dispute relating to fishing within the Guernsey 12 mile limit surfaced again in 2015.^[7]

Relations with Isle of Man

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does the Isle of Man. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

Trilateral Crown dependency relations

The three crown dependencies, while independent, share a relatively similar position with respect to the United Kingdom and with international bodies such as the EU or the OECD. As a result, the crown dependencies work together on areas of mutual interest. For example, in 2000, the three states cooperated on development of common policies for offshore banking.^[8] In 2003, they developed a joint approach to certain EU activities around tax information.^[9][10] The heads of government of the crown dependencies, including Isle of Man, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Jersey, meet at an annual inter-island summit, to discuss matters of common concern, such as financial regulation and relations with the UK.^[11][12][13]

Relations with Scotland

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Scotland Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

In September 2015 there was a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon.^[14]

Relations with Northern Ireland

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Northern Ireland. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

Relations with the United Kingdom

A Guernsey-UK double taxation arrangement was signed in 1952.

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does England & Wales. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

The Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey attended the UK Liberal Democrats conference in 2012 to communicate the message that "Guernsey and the Channel Islands are good neighbours to the UK".^[15] The Chief Minister of Guernsey, accompanied by the Commerce and Employment Minister, has been announced to attend the UK Conservative Party conference 2012.^[16]

Relations with the Republic of Ireland

Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Ireland. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014^[3] the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".

Guernsey's Deputy Chief Minister and Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister travelled to Dublin in September 2012 as a first step in a more coordinated approach to international relations. The purpose of the visit was to meet Ireland's Minister for European Affairs ahead of Ireland's assumption of the European Union presidency in 2013 for mutual discussions.^[17]

Relations with France

Fishing disputes have been regular events over the years.^[18] In 2011 a peace deal was made.^[19]

In 2013 long term agreements with Électricité de France (EdF) have been signed to supply low carbon electricity for the Channel Islands Electricity Grid.^[20]

On 22 January 2015, an agreement of cooperation was signed by Guernsey and Jersey with La Manche and Lower Normandy.The purpose of the agreement is to develop institutional partnerships and strengthen exchanges in the areas of economic development, tourism, education and culture between Lower Normandy, La Manche, the Government of Jersey and the States of Guernsey.^{[21] [22]}

Relations with the Commonwealth of Nations

The States of Guernsey have made calls for a more integrated relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations,^[23] including more direct representation and enhanced participation in Commonwealth organisations and meetings, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.^[24]

Relations with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Both Alderney and Guernsey are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Relations with the business community

In 2011 Guernsey, which had preciously been unrated, was awarded a AAA credit rating by Standard & Poor.^[25]

In December 2013 the CISE was officially recognised by both the UK HMRC and the Australian Securities Exchange ASX.

Tax agreements

Guernsey has entered into a number of:

• Double tax agreements (DTA)
• Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA)
• EU Savings Tax Directive^[26]

Twinning and affiliations

• Guernsey is twinned with Biberach an der Riß
• Vale parish was twinned with the Normandy port of Barneville-Carteret in 1987.

• Guernsey was affiliated with No. 201 Squadron RAF until the unit was disbanded in 2010.

External links

• States of Guernsey External Relations
• Tax Agreements

References

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