Mike Freer MP’s responsibilities include managing the relationship with the Crown Dependencies and advising the Lord Chancellor on issues relating to the islands.
He was unable to get over to Alderney on this occasion but said he’ll be back to visit representatives there later in the year.
This was Mr Freer’s first official visit to the Bailiwick and was intended to help his understanding of the islands, our constitutional relationships and the current issues the Bailiwick is facing.
Pictured: Mike Freer MP at Castle Cornet during his three-day visit to the Bailiwick.
During his visit, Mr Freer MP met with political representatives from Guernsey and Sark so they could discuss those issues, including the islands’ relationships with the UK Government and global trade interests.
He also visited local businesses to find out more about the local economy and global outputs.
“I was keen to visit the islands in person at the earliest opportunity, having already met with Bailiwick representatives in London and virtually,” the MP said.
“The programme for my first trip to the Bailiwick has given me an opportunity to see some of the similarities and differences between the islands, explore inter-island relationships and their constitutional relationships with the UK in more depth, and to understand the current priorities for each government.”
President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, was among those who met Mr Freer in Guernsey.
“It has been a pleasure to welcome Mike Freer MP to Guernsey on his first official visit to the Bailiwick,” he said.
Pictured: Mike Freer MP was taken on a carriage ride during his day trip to Sark.
“The Ministry of Justice acts as the Crown Dependencies’ link to the UK Government on behalf of the Crown,” continued Deputy Ferbrache.
“As the Minister responsible for managing that relationship, it is important for Mr Freer to see the islands for himself to gain a better understanding of the Bailiwick. We have been able to cover a range of topics during the meetings in Guernsey, including our interests in new UK trade agreements being negotiated by the UK post-Brexit and various social and economic policy objectives.”
Conseiller John Guille, Chair of the Policy & Finance Committee, met Mr Freer in Sark.
“During his time in Sark, Mr Freer met various members of the community including members of Chief Pleas and the Seigneur. I was happy to welcome him to the island on behalf of Sark’s government and found our discussions to be interesting and productive.”