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Guernsey could start choosing people to sit on the UK Privy Council, but Policy & Resources says it isn’t a high priority at the moment.
Work recently completed on delegating the process of Royal Assent for local laws from His Majesty The King to the Bailiwick’s Lieutenant-Governor, but there’s still one constitutional matter outstanding for the States.
In May 2023, when the changes to Royal Assent were passed, the States also strongly supported investigating having locally nominated individuals sit on the Privy Council to better communicate the islands’ interests to the UK on major issues, following a successful amendment from Deputy Gavin St Pier.
He said a seat at the table would strengthen our relationship with the Crown and could help to stop confusion within the British government over the unique constitutional position and relationship with the Crown Dependencies, especially given the high turnover of ministers of late.
The Council is formed of senior British politicians and members of the Lords who advise the monarch, forming an important link in the constitutional monarchy.
No fixed date was given to allow flexibility, and Policy & Resources have now confirmed that changes to Royal Assent have taken priority up to now.
“Now that the Royal Assent changes are being implemented, work to investigate the possible appointment of ‘Channel Island Privy Counsellors’ can take place.
“Although, agreed Government Work Plan priorities and workstreams will take priority,” it added.
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