Channel Islands should have 'free access' to UK Market

Friday 25 September 2020

A Tory MP has called on the UK government to ensure that the Channel Islands has free access to the British market after Brexit.

Sir Bob Neill, Chair of the Justice Committee, made the remarks during debate about the controversial Internal Market Bill, which received a second reading in Parliament this week.

“I hope as we go forward that we will see what can be done to help other parts of the broader British family that would desire access to our new internal market – for example, the Crown Dependencies: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man,” he said.

“Many of their financial sectors are importantly, and closely, linked to the city of London and the UK.”

Sir Bob said that there is a "great desire" to strengthen Crown Dependencies’ access to the UK in the wake of Brexit, and that "free and unfettered access to the UK" is something that should be explored on a reciprocal basis.

Pictured: The Channel Islands have been having discussions with Normandy about fishing rights in a post-Brexit relationship. Click HERE to read more.

The Tory MP is largely in favour of the controversial bill, but is one of several ‘rebel’ Conservatives who fear its willingness to break international law sets an alarming precedent.

The Bill also raised eyebrows in Guernsey; the Policy and Resources Committee raised concerns that the move would damage the Bailiwick’s reputation with Europe.

Access to the UK’s internal market would provide reassurance to the island’s financial industry, but other sectors are still worried after it was suggested that the UK could give up Channel Islands fishing territories as part of its deal with the EU.

The Brexit transition period ends on December 31 2020, with a trade agreement yet to be finalised.

Pictured top: Portrait of Sir Bob Neil is credited to Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament.