French official wants stronger ties to islands

The Manche Iles Express takes passengers between France and the Channel Islands

A Normandy official said he would like to meet with Channel Island and European ministers to discuss all issues surrounding the relationship between the islands and France.

It comes after Jersey, Guernsey and Sark agreed to subsidise the ferry service Manche Iles Express between France and the Channel Islands for 2025.

President Jean Morin from the Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM), which oversees the service said the financial support was a "pleasant surprise".

He said this backing would allow them to "hold on" as much as they can until the introduction of an electronic visa at the end of 2025.

Morin said the identity card in France is very popular and that 40% of people travel without a passport.

Jersey's minister for home affairs has confirmed talks are ongoing with the UK Home Office to try to find a way for French visitors to be able to travel to the island without a passport beyond 2025.

'Ensuring progress'

Morin said there were other subjects to address - including the Marine Spatial Plan, fishing, and wind energy.

He also expressed an interest in creating a trading post in Granville where French officials could inspect goods coming from the Channel Islands into France, ensuring they meet EU health and safety standards.

DCLM said they were "committed to ensuring progress" in this area since everything is delivered to Granville.

A provisional meeting date has been set for later this year to discuss co-operation on areas of mutual interest between Jersey and France.

Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Minister for Economic Development, said it was really important for Jersey to have French day trippers.

He said the scheme posed "no threat to the common travel area or to the integrity of the UK's borders".