UK politicians in Jersey to review island relationship

Senator Ian Gorst said he welcomed the visit

Senior UK politicians reviewing the relationship between the UK and the Crown Dependencies are visiting Jersey.

The Justice Select Committee will also visit the Isle of Man and Guernsey as part of its inquiry "Crown Dependencies: developments since 2010".

It is trying to find out what has changed since the 2010 report and how effective it has been.

Jersey's Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst said he hoped the visit would lead to improvements.

He said: "We are fully supportive of the work they are undertaking and hope to build on the recommendations they made in their 2010 report.

"We enjoy a good working relationship with the Ministry of Justice, both at official and ministerial level."

Senator Gorst said Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies had already submitted their views to the committee.

The Ministry of Justice has responsibility for relations with Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

The recommendations made three years ago included a call for UK departments to take more care over the possible impact on the islands of any changes to their legislation.

It said there should be more direct-dealing between ministries and the islands, rather than all correspondence going through the Ministry of Justice.