External relations of Guernsey

The Bailiwick of 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 Crown dependencies

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]

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

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 the United Kingdom

Guernsey is not represented in any UK parliament. The UK cannot legislate on behalf of Guernsey without obtaining prior consent.

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".^[14] The Chief Minister of Guernsey, accompanied by the Commerce and Employment Minister, has been announced to attend the UK Conservative Party conference 2012.^[15]

There are close working relations between the island and the UK Police and Border Agency.

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.^[16]

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 Europe

Guernsey has entered into Tax Information Exchange Agreements with most countries within Europe.

European Union

Guernsey is neither a separate Member State nor an Associate Member of the European Union. Protocol No. 3 of the Treaty of Accession of the United Kingdom placed the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man within the Common Customs territory of the Community and the Common External Tariff of the European Economic Community. The authorities in Guernsey have to treat natural and legal persons of the European Union equally.^[17]

People born in the Channel Islands are British citizens and hence European citizens, they are not entitled to take advantage of the freedom of movement of people or services unless they are directly connected (through birth, descent from parent or grandparent, or five years' continuous residence in the UK).

In 2011, Guernsey working with Jersey set up a Channel Islands Brussels Office whose aims are to strengthen the Islands' voice in Brussels.

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]}

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.^[23]

Relations with the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Nations

The States of Guernsey have made calls for a more integrated relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations,^[24] including more direct representation and enhanced participation in Commonwealth organisations and meetings, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.^[25]

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.^[26]

The Guernsey Vetting Bureau was established to utilise the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for local employers and other organisations.

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^[27]

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

1. Darryl Mark Ogier (2005). The government and law of Guernsey. States of Guernsey. ISBN 978-0-9549775-0-4. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
2. Marr, J., The History of Guernsey – the Bailiwick's story, Guernsey Press (2001).
3. "BIC 2014 report" (PDF). BIC.
4. "Guernsey and Jersey begin recruiting for senior Brussels positions" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-10-04.
5. "Double Tax Agreements with Guernsey and Isle of Man". 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
6. "Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man sign taxation agreement". BBC. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
7. "Jersey fishermen want UK to force Guernsey to negotiate fishing rights". Guernsey press. 11 August 2015.
8. "Crown Dependencies Join Forces On Money Laundering With New "Know Your Customer" Principles". Tax-News.com. 20 December 2000.
9. "Channel Isles And IoM Discuss Joint Approach To EU Tax Directive". Tax-News.com. 2 September 2003.
10. "JOINT APPROACH NEEDED TO EU". Isle of Man Today. 1 Sep 2003.
11. "'Positive' meeting at Inter-Island conference.". Isle of Man Newspapers. 7 Sep 2007.
12. "Inter-island crown dependencies meeting". IFCFeed.com. 28 September 2009.
13. "Crown Dependencies Summit Held". Tax-News.com. 30 May 2012.
14. "Deputy Chief Minister welcomes growing understanding of Guernsey at the Lib Dem Conference". States of Guernsey. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
15. "Guernsey misses Labour conference due to 'limited budget'". Guernsey Evening Press. 4 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
16. "First Minister welcomes Guernsey’s Chief Minister". Office of First Minister of Scotland. 23 September 2015.
17. "Guernsey, the UK and the EU".
18. "Storms loom in fishery dispute". Herald Scotland. 3 December 1996.
19. "French fishermen strike peace deal with Guernsey:...". Independent. 23 October 2011.
20. "Channel Islands Electricity Grid strengthened with new agreement". Sustainable Guernsey. 29 May 2013.
21. "Chief Ministers sign agreement with Normandy". Jersey gov.
22. "22 January 2015 agreement". States of Alderney.
23. "Channel Island Ministers to meet with Irish Government". States of Guernsey. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
24. "The role and future of the Commonwealth". House of Commons. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
25. "Written evidence from the States of Guernsey". Policy Council of Guernsey. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
26. "Do you know the difference between Guernsey and Ireland? The ratings agencies didn't". The Guardian. 24 April 2011.
27. "Tax Agreements". Guernsey Finance.