“We are always keen to engage with Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords across the political spectrum on a range of issues, particularly to ensure there is a good understanding across Parliament about our special constitutional relationship,” he said.
Pictured: Deputy St Pier represented the Bailiwick at the UK’s main Remembrance Sunday service last week.
“Regardless of the outcome of the UK General Election in December 2019, the Policy & Resources Committee will continue to proactively engage with the UK Government and its opposition to ensure Guernsey’s unique circumstances are understood and our needs our represented in any future Brexit negotiations,” he said.
It was a timely opportunity for Deputy St Pier to speak directly to Mr Corbyn for the first time in two years, with a general election coming up in just under a month’s time.
“I last met Jeremy Corbyn at his party conference a couple of years ago. I took the opportunity to advise him that we regularly engaged with members of his shadow team and in particular, recently, on the matter of beneficial ownership,” he said.
“I said that we were always keen to better understand the Labour Party’s policy objectives should they form the next government, but the delivery of these always needed to respect our constitutional position.
“In preparation for the General Election, we continue to monitor the political parties’ campaigns and an engagement plan will be developed to ensure Guernsey can be quick to respond to any changes and ensure that the effective working relationship with the UK Government and its civil service can continue and strengthen.
“Any engagement plan will always consider the risks and opportunities of the UK political landscape in order to put Guernsey in the best position to promote and develop its interests.”