Rebel urges deputies to oppose bypassing law

Deputy Steve Falla opposed the move to bypass local competition laws by his committee, the last time it was proposed

Politicians in Guernsey are being asked by a senior member of a government committee to vote against plans to suspend competition laws.

Last week, the Economic Development Committee (ED) put forward plans to bypass local rules to allow Sure to buy Airtel-Vodaphone after it dropped similar plans last year.

Jersey's competition regulator approved the deal earlier this month.

ED Vice-President Deputy Steve Falla said: "I have have nothing against the companies involved, but the States shouldn't be getting involved in a commercial transaction."

'Number of worries'

ED President Neil Inder said "the commitments from Sure secure the best possible outcomes for consumers and guarantees large-scale investment in Guernsey".

Mr Falla argued it was not right that the States should be looking to bypass its own laws.

He said: "We have a competition law and we're looking to exempt ourselves from that, and the regulatory element hasn't been engaged. One can only question why.

"There are a number of worries with this deal.

"We are not following the structure we have set up, and I don't like the process. However I look at it, I can't bring myself to support it."

As part of the move, Sure has offered to help the Channel Islands Co-Op launch a new mobile service.

Mr Inder said he "welcomed" the Co-Op's entry into the market.

He labelled it a "very positive outcome for competition and for consumers and a positive endorsement of Guernsey's overall business environment".

Part of ED's proposals stated that trade agreements Guernsey has entered into, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, require a commitment to competition law.

Mr Falla said this was part of his concerns: "We don't know if we go ahead with this how it will be tested externally.

"It has to be a consideration when we vote for this."