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Labour Party “not a party to be feared” from Guernsey’s point of view

Labour Party “not a party to be feared” from Guernsey’s point of view

Friday 05 July 2024

Labour Party “not a party to be feared” from Guernsey’s point of view

Friday 05 July 2024


Labour isn’t a party to be feared, according to the President of Policy and Resources, who said he is “eager” to build relationships with the UK’s new ruling party.

In a historic, if not completely unsurprising, win the UK’s Labour Party gained 211 seats in yesterday’s General Election and toppled the Conservative Party. Rishi Sunak has been ousted and Keir Starmer is set to become the UK’s new Prime Minister.

Responding to the news, Guernsey’s P&R President, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said Guernsey is now undertaking an ‘engagement and contact’ programme to build relationships with the new majority. 

“The outcome was fairly well predicted by the polls,” he said. 

I’ve had some exposure recently to Keir Starmer and he leads a party that Guernsey has historically fared well under. It is a party not to be feared from our point of view. 

“Over the next few days we will liase with as many contacts as we can to promote... our significant value to the UK economy.” 

Lyndon_Trott-1.jpg 

Pictured: President of P&R, Deputy Lyndon Trott. 

He said there were three things that surprised him as the election results were published. 

"Firstly, the collapse of the SNP. Only a few weeks ago I was at the British Irish Council meeting with John Swinney (Leader of the SNP) who was in an upbeat mood. Cut to a few weeks later and the electorate has spoken. 

“I was also surprised that the Conservatives were unable to hold any seats in Wales, and that Labour won an emphatic victory with only a third of the popular vote.” 

Statement from Guernsey Chamber of Commerce  

Stephen Rouxel is the President of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, he published the following statement after the election result. 

“The Guernsey Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the recent UK election results, which have resulted in a Labour majority. 

“As a major stakeholder in Guernsey's business community, we recognise that the political landscape in the UK significantly impacts our economic environment and any changes in policy direction will undoubtedly influence our local businesses. 

“The public have delivered them a clear and decisive parliamentary majority and hopefully they will use this mandate to provide the stability and certainty businesses crave. 

“We are keen that our States of Guernsey continues to engage constructively with the new UK government to ensure that the interests of Guernsey businesses are considered in the UK's future social and economic policies. In particular, we are interested in understanding Labour's plans regarding: 

Economic Policy and TradeThe Labour Party’s approach to international trade agreements, particularly post-Brexit arrangements, will be crucial. 

Taxation and Regulation: Any changes in taxation and business regulation will have direct implications for our local businesses. 

Sustainability and Innovation: With a growing focus on green energy and sustainable practices, we are eager to see how the Labour government plans to support innovation in these areas. Guernsey businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and targeting growth in the transition to net zero and alignment with UK policies could enhance these efforts. 

“The Guernsey Chamber of Commerce remains focused on ensuring that our business community continues to thrive in this evolving political landscape and will to work closely with the States to ensure this remains a priority.” 

It’s understood that an official States of Guernsey response will be coming later today. 

Political response on social media 

Some deputies took to social media to give their response to the UK’s shift in politics. 

You can see some of those comments below: 

  

Deputy Heidi Soulsby was in the UK as an ‘Independent Observer’ of the UK General Election, and kept her followers up to date with the polling. 

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