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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, 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, it is not part of the European Union.
Contents
- Consulates
- Independence debate
- Jersey
- Isle of Man
- Trilateral Crown dependency
- Relations with the United Kingdom
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Relations with Europe
- European Union
- France
- Republic of Ireland
- Commonwealth of Nations
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
- Commonwealth Games
- Relations with the business community
- Tax agreements
- Twinning and affiliations
- References
The Policy and Resources Committee are responsible for external relations.
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.
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 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.
On 24 January 2013 Jersey signed double taxation agreements with Guernsey (updating the existing agreement) and with the Isle of Man. 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.
A fishing dispute relating to fishing within the Guernsey 12 mile limit surfaced again in 2015.
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 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. In 2003, they developed a joint approach to certain EU activities around tax information. 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.
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 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". The Chief Minister of Guernsey, accompanied by the Commerce and Employment Minister, has been announced to attend the UK Conservative Party conference 2012.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
The 2016 decision by the United Kingdom population to vote for Brexit will impact on the relationship of the Bailiwick with the European Union when the Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union two-year notice has expired.
France
Fishing disputes have been regular events over the years. In 2011 a peace deal was made.
In 2013 long term agreements with Électricité de France (EdF) have been signed to supply low carbon electricity for the Channel Islands Electricity Grid.
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.
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 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.
Commonwealth of Nations
The States of Guernsey have made calls for a more integrated relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations, including more direct representation and enhanced participation in Commonwealth organisations and meetings, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, however with no right to vote in the Ministerial or Heads of Government meetings.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Both Alderney and Guernsey are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Commonwealth Games
The Bailiwick of Guernsey which includes Alderney, Sark, Herm and the other smaller islands is a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation and has attended every games event since the inauguration in 1970.
Relations with the business community
In 2011 Guernsey, which had preciously been unrated, was awarded a AAA credit rating by Standard & Poor.
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 International Stock Exchange (TISE) was officially recognised by both the UK HMRC and the Australian Securities Exchange ASX and in March 2015, the Exchange became an Affiliate Member of the World Federation of Exchanges WFE.
Tax agreements
Guernsey has entered into a number of:
Guernsey has also signed: