Internal Market Bill still a concern for P&R

Thursday 12 November 2020

The Policy & Resources Committee said it is hard at work to ensure a "frictionless" relationship with the UK once it leaves the EU, after the House of Lords tore apart the controversial Internal Market Bill this week.

One particular clause, which would allow Ministers to violate the terms of the EU withdrawal treaty with “minimal, merely theoretical supervision", raised concerns about the UK's - and Guernsey's - international reputation moving forward.

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Policy & Resources lead for External Affairs, said that the States of Guernsey was working to ensure the Bailiwick's good standing.

"Some concerns remain that the UK may take action under the Bill that could conflict with an international treaty obligation which applies to the island to a certain extent. Guernsey will continue to develop its own identity, and to protect our reputation as a good neighbour and responsible player on the international field."

Pictured: Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, External Affairs lead for the Policy & Resources Committee

He went on to explain some of the work that has taken place to secure Guernsey's relationships with the UK, as the Internal Market Bill does not extend to the Channel Islands: 

"The Bailiwick has agreed a customs arrangement with the UK which takes effect on 1 January, 2021. At the same time, the Bailiwick's membership of the World Trade Organisation, extended as part of the UK's membership, will take effect.

"Discussions continue between our officials about how we will maintain free and frictionless trade with the UK market, in a manner that retains our constitutional autonomy whilst providing similar standards in terms of treatment of goods and services.

The contentious clause was voted down in a landslide 407-148 vote, with 44 'rebel' Conservatives going against their own party's Bill. However, a government spokesperson said that they would re-submit the original legislation when the bill returns to the House of Commons.

“We’ve been consistently clear that the clauses represent a legal safety net to protect the integrity of the UK’s internal market, and the huge gains of the peace process,” they said.

Pictured: Tory MP Sir Bob Neill has previously criticised the UK Government for being willing to legislate on behalf of the Crown Dependencies without their consent. (Picture courtesy of Chris McAndrew, UK Parliament)

Many pundits outside of the UK, from Irish Ministers to Guernsey Deputies and even the US President-elect, have warned that the Conservative government’s approach to Brexit negotiations could spell disaster for their relations with other countries.

The Channel Islands have already had to stand its own ground during negotiations, after it emerged that UK Parliament was reportedly willing to use the Bailiwick's fishing rights as a bargaining chip to secure its own waters once it splits from the EU.