Dependencies' new man in Parliament begins Brexit talks

Thursday 08 August 2019

Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man will be given help from Number 10 as we prepare to join the rest of Britain in exiting the EU on the 31 October, deal or no deal.

This comes after Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, spoke with Boris Johnson's new government minister responsible for liaising with the Crown Dependencies through Brexit on Tuesday.

James Duddridge MP, from the Department for Exiting the European Union, spoke to Deputy St Pier, Jersey's Senator Ian Gorst and Howard Quayle from the Isle of Man about how the special relationship between the islands and Downing Street will work when the country leaves the EU. 

Tweeting following the conversations, Mr Duddridge said "the UK Government will continue to work closely with the Crown Dependencies to ensure they have the support and information they need as we prepare to leave the EU on 31 October".

A pleasure to speak with @HowardQuayleMHK @Ian_Gorst and @gavinstpier yesterday afternoon. The UK Government will continue to work closely with the Crown Dependencies to ensure they have the support and information they need as we prepare to leave the EU on 31 October. #Brexit pic.twitter.com/ya6mynnVib

— James Duddridge MP (@JamesDuddridge) August 7, 2019

Deputy St Pier said they also discussed World Trade Organisation membership, 'no deal' planning - which this new UK government is ramping up preparations for across the board - and 'ensuring Guernsey's future commitments remain proportionate'.

Thanks @JamesDuddridge from @DExEUgov for call today following appointment. Look forward to meeting at first opportunity. Discussed WTO membership, ‘no deal’ planning and ensuring Guernsey’s future commitments remain proportionate. Great that sees role as resource to support us.

— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) August 6, 2019

Mr Duddridge was given the role of Parliamentary Under Secretary of States in the Department when Boris Johnson reformed his government. Previously, the role was held by Robin Walker MP, who is now holds the same role but in the Scotland and Northern Ireland office.

Mr Walker came to Guernsey several times for meetings, and also attended the British Irish Council which was held at the St Pierre Park hotel last year.

Mr Duddridge is the MP for Rochford and Southend East. 

Pictured top: James Duddridge MP.