Election result "shows strength of Scottish nationalism"

Wednesday 18 December 2019

Guernsey's united front in its relations with the wider world has been a "real strength" for the island this term, and our Chief Minister says that must continue with further constitutional threats on the horizon.

Deputy Gavin St Pier last week welcomed the clarity and certainty provided by the UK election result, which saw Boris Johnson's Conservatives secure a majority government.

He hopes that the increased stability after months of political chaos in the UK will calm the "unhelpful headwinds" that have been disrupting investor confidence and economic activity over here.

However, one of the most notable outcomes from the election was the Scottish National Party securing 48 out of the 59 seats available, which leader Nicola Sturgeon said has strengthened the party's case for a second independence referendum. 

With political uncertainty and constitutional crises in the UK having a knock-on effect on our economy, Deputy St Pier said developments on that score were something the island would have to follow with close interest.

"That is a medium to long-term consideration and one that shows the continued rise and strength of Scottish nationalism," he said. "How that will play out in the United Kingdom and the rest of the British Isles is something we need to watch and be cognisant of." 

Pictured: Deputy St Pier said the breakup of the United Kingdom would have repercussions on the Channel Islands. 

During this States term, Deputy St Pier said the island had shown a united front to the wider world, whilst also working together with Jersey and the Isle of Man on matters such as attempts to force public registers of beneficial ownership upon the Crown Dependencies. 

He said that unity has been crucial during significant political unrest on the mainland. With the UK's exit from the EU to come, the dissolution of current trade arrangements and a watershed moment for local politics in the shape of the first ever island-wide election, Deputy St Pier said there were many more challenges to overcome. 

"We have benefitted from the ability to present a united external political front and it is a priority that whatever it [Brexit] presents that we do retain that political stability, particularly in the second half of next year. We must not give up the real strength we have had in the last three years."

Pictured top: Deputy Gavin St Pier and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon speaking at a British-Irish Council conference.