Steps under way 'for closer Jersey-UK links'

Steps have got under way at Westminster to forge closer links between the Channel Islands and the UK Government, a UK minister says.

On his first visit to Jersey, Lord McNally, minister responsible for Crown Dependencies, said he had already made moves for this happen.

He said he wanted to cut red tape so Jersey legislation, which needs UK royal assent, got through faster.

He also promised to look at plans for a new reciprocal health agreement.

The island lost its health agreement with the UK in 2009, which meant that islanders have had to pay for some medical services while in the UK, and vice versa.

A new agreement is expected with the UK in 2011.