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The new Secretary of States for the UK's Ministry of Justice says he wants to "work closely" with the Channel Islands to ensure "the constitutional relationship is understood".
Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede was elected to his role in July, after the Labour Party won the UK's election.
As the Ministry of Justice is responsible for the UK's relationship with the Crown Dependencies he recently spent time in Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.
The visit was billed as 'an opportunity to learn more about the islands and to understand the current issues and priorities of each of the three governments, as well as Bailiwick relationships and our shared interests'.
Lord Ponsonby met with various representatives from the islands' governments, and with HE the Lieutenant-Governor, the Bailiff and other representatives from the islands' communities.
Topics discussed included the constitutional relationships between the UK and the Bailiwick, financial services, and trade.
In Guernsey, the positive value of the island to the UK's economy and Guernsey's government priorities were discussed
Lord Ponsonby said: “I have enjoyed learning about the island, including hearing more about how Guernsey looks to maintain its high regulatory standards as part of its objective, shared with the UK, to prevent financial crime of any type. I am keen to work closely with Guernsey and the other Crown Dependencies to make sure their interests are taken into account across the UK Government, and ensure the constitutional relationship is understood throughout Whitehall.”
Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said: "It's a great pleasure to meet Lord Ponsonby again and to welcome him to Guernsey for his first official visit. I am encouraged that he chose to come to the Bailiwick so early in his time in post at the UK's Ministry of Justice, recognising the part of his Ministerial portfolio which covers the relationship with the islands' governments. My colleagues and I have enjoyed interesting conversations with him on varied topics.
"We have had the opportunity to reiterate that we welcome the recognition in the Labour Party's manifesto that it will defend the security, sovereignty and right to self
determination of the islands. We also discussed the UK Government’s commitment to economic growth and the role that Guernsey plays in supporting that.”
In Alderney, Lord Ponsonby was briefed on key issues such as transport, healthcare, education, housing and renewable energy in a two-hour meeting at the Island Hall which included a summary of the constitutional arrangements by Ian Carter, Deputy Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee.
“I’m very pleased to be here and I’ve been given a warm welcome to the Island,” said Lord Ponsonby.
“I’m here in listening mode as I’m very keen to learn more about the issues facing Alderney. For example, there are very genuine concerns around the airport runway and I look forward to hearing how that is resolved, which I am sure it will be.”
Mr Carter said: “We were delighted to work with the Minister to understand the issues, particularly the importance of air connectivity to a remote island like ours and how this determines the Island’s future economy and wellbeing.”
Earlier, Lord Ponsonby was shown around the airport and the parlous state of the runway, and given a tour of Alderney’s historic sites including the Roman Fort, Hammond Memorial, the newly refurbished WWII Hospital Bunker and the German camps.
The President of the States of Alderney, William Tate said: “I was delighted to host the visit of Lord Ponsonby who has visited us within a very short time of his appointment. I wanted to give him a real sense of all the incredible historic and cultural assets that make our Island so special.”
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