External relations of Guernsey
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The
Bailiwick of Guernsey The Bailiwick of Guernsey (french: Bailliage de Guernesey; Guernésiais: ''Bailliage dé Guernési'') is an island country off the coast of France as one of the three Crown Dependencies. Separated from the Duchy of Normandy by and under the t ...
is a British Crown dependency in the
English Channel The English Channel, "The Sleeve"; nrf, la Maunche, "The Sleeve" (Cotentinais) or ( Jèrriais), (Guernésiais), "The Channel"; br, Mor Breizh, "Sea of Brittany"; cy, Môr Udd, "Lord's Sea"; kw, Mor Bretannek, "British Sea"; nl, Het Kana ...
off the coast of
Normandy Normandy (; french: link=no, Normandie ; nrf, Normaundie, Nouormandie ; from Old French , plural of ''Normant'', originally from the word for "northman" in several Scandinavian languages) is a geographical and cultural region in Northwestern ...
. As a
bailiwick A bailiwick () is usually the area of jurisdiction of a bailiff, and once also applied to territories in which a privately appointed bailiff exercised the sheriff's functions under a royal or imperial writ. The bailiwick is probably modelled on th ...
, Guernsey embraces not only all ten parishes on the island of
Guernsey Guernsey (; Guernésiais: ''Guernési''; french: Guernesey) is an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy that is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency. It is the second largest of the Channel Islands ...
, but also the islands of
Alderney Alderney (; french: Aurigny ; Auregnais: ) is the northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands. It is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown dependency. It is long and wide. The island's area is , making it the third-largest ...
and Sarkeach with their own parliamentand the smaller islands of
Herm Herm (Guernésiais: , ultimately from Old Norse 'arm', due to the shape of the island, or Old French 'hermit') is one of the Channel Islands and part of the Parish of St Peter Port in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It is located in the English ...
,
Jethou Jethou ( ) is a small island that is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. It is privately leased from the Crown, and not open to the public. Resembling the top of a wooded knoll it is immediately south of Herm and covers a ...
and Lihou. Although its defence is the responsibility of the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
, the Bailiwick is not part of the United Kingdom, but, as its description suggests, a possession of
the Crown The Crown is the state in all its aspects within the jurisprudence of the Commonwealth realms and their subdivisions (such as the Crown Dependencies, overseas territories, provinces, or states). Legally ill-defined, the term has different ...
. Consequently, though it lies within the Common Travel Area, it was never part of the European Union. The
Policy and Resources Committee The Policy & Resources Committee is the Senior Committee of the system of government in Guernsey. It was created on 1 May 2016 to replace the Policy Council of Guernsey. Guernsey generally operates a system of government by committees and cons ...
is responsible for external relations.


Consulates

Several European countries have honorary consuls and hold informal honorary consulates in the island. The Honorary Consulate of the French Republic is based at
Victor Hugo Victor-Marie Hugo (; 26 February 1802 – 22 May 1885) was a French Romantic writer and politician. During a literary career that spanned more than sixty years, he wrote in a variety of genres and forms. He is considered to be one of the great ...
's former residence at
Hauteville House Hauteville House is a house where Victor Hugo lived during his exile from France, located at 38 Rue Hauteville in St. Peter Port in Guernsey. In March 1927, the centenary year of Romanticism, Hugo's descendants Jeanne, Jean, Marguerite and Fra ...
.


Independence debate

While Guernsey has complete autonomy over internal affairs and certain external matters, the topic of complete independence from the British Crown has been discussed widely and frequently, with ideas ranging from Guernsey obtaining independence as a
Commonwealth realm A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations whose monarch and head of state is shared among the other realms. Each realm functions as an independent state, equal with the other realms and nations of the Commonwealt ...
to the bailiwicks of Guernsey and
Jersey Jersey ( , ; nrf, Jèrri, label=Jèrriais ), officially the Bailiwick of Jersey (french: Bailliage de Jersey, links=no; Jèrriais: ), is an island country and self-governing Crown Dependencies, Crown Dependency near the coast of north-west F ...
uniting and forming an independent federal state within the Commonwealth, whereby both bailiwicks would retain their independence with regard to domestic affairs, but internationally the islands would be regarded as one state.Marr, J., ''The History of Guernsey – the Bailiwick's story'', Guernsey Press (2001).


Relations with other Crown dependencies

A Guernsey–Jersey double taxation agreement was first signed in 1956. In 1998 Guernsey and Jersey electricity companies formed the
Channel Islands Electricity Grid The Channel Islands Electricity Grid (CIEG) is the joint company set up in 1998 between Guernsey Electricity and Jersey Electricity to operate and manage the submarine cables between mainland Europe and the Channel Islands. The grid physically com ...
to operate and manage the submarine cables between Europe and the Channel Islands. Guernsey has formed part of the
British–Irish Council The British–Irish Council (BIC) ( ga, Comhairle na Breataine-na hÉireann) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to improve collaboration between its members in a number of areas including transport, the environment, and energy. Its ...
since it was formed in 1999, as have Jersey and the Isle of Man. Meetings take place twice a year; in 2004, 2010, 2014 and 2018 the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands". In September 2010 a Channel Islands office was set up in Brussels jointly by the two Bailiwicks to develop the Channel Islands' influence with the EU, to advise the Channel Islands' governments on European matters, and to promote economic links with the EU. On 24 January 2013 Jersey signed double taxation agreements with Guernsey (updating the existing agreement) and with the Isle of Man. This was the first time all three Crown dependencies had established such mutual agreements; they also included provision for exchange of tax information equivalent to TIEAs. A dispute about fishing within Guernsey's 12 mile limit surfaced again in 2015. The three Crown dependencies, while independent, share a relatively similar position with respect to the United Kingdom and with international bodies such as the EU or the OECD. As a result, the three work together on areas of mutual interest. For example, in 2000, the three states cooperated on development of common policies for offshore banking. In 2003, they developed a joint approach to certain EU activities around tax information. The heads of government within the Crown dependencies, including the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Jersey, meet at an annual ''inter-island'' summit to discuss matters of common concern, such as
financial regulation Financial regulation is a form of regulation or supervision, which subjects financial institutions to certain requirements, restrictions and guidelines, aiming to maintain the stability and integrity of the financial system. This may be handled ...
and relations with the UK.


Relations with the United Kingdom

The relationship of the Crown with Guernsey has been set out in numerous Charters over the centuries. Guernsey is not represented in any UK parliament. The UK cannot legislate on behalf of Guernsey without obtaining prior consent. A Guernsey–UK double taxation arrangement was signed in 1952. Guernsey has formed part of the
British–Irish Council The British–Irish Council (BIC) ( ga, Comhairle na Breataine-na hÉireann) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to improve collaboration between its members in a number of areas including transport, the environment, and energy. Its ...
since it was formed in 1999, as has England & Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have each also formed part of the British–Irish Council since 1999. Meetings take place twice a year; in 2004, 2010, 2014 and 2018 the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands". The Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey attended the UK Liberal Democrats conference in 2012 to communicate the message that "Guernsey and the Channel Islands are good neighbours to the UK". The Chief Minister of Guernsey, accompanied by the Commerce and Employment Minister, has been announced to attend the UK Conservative Party conference 2012. There are close working relations between the island and the UK Police and Border Agency.


Relations with Europe

Guernsey has entered into Tax Information Exchange Agreements with most countries within Europe.


European Union

Guernsey was neither a separate Member State nor an Associate Member of the European Union. Protocol No. 3 of the Treaty of Accession of the United Kingdom placed the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man within the Common Customs territory of the Community and the Common External Tariff of the European Economic Community. The authorities in Guernsey have to treat natural and legal persons of the European Union equally. Until 2021, people born in the Channel Islands are British citizens and hence European citizens, they were not entitled to take advantage of the freedom of movement of people or services unless they are directly connected (through birth, descent from parent or grandparent, or five years' continuous residence in the UK). In 2011, Guernsey working with Jersey had set up a Channel Islands Brussels Office whose aims are to strengthen the Islands' voice in Brussels.
Brexit Brexit (; a portmanteau of "British exit") was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020 (00:00 1 February 2020 CET).The UK also left the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or ...
has affected the relationship between the Bailiwick and the European Union. As from January 2021 the following changes have occurred: * A new agreement concerning fishing in Guernsey territorial waters and the landing of catches in France will generally allow boats traditionally fishing in Guernsey waters to be given a licence by Guernsey, to enable them to continue to do so. Landing a catch in France is limited to boats registered with NEAFC landing at specific ports with prior permission and completed documentation. * Guernsey registered vehicles may need a green card to prove insurance is valid and a GBG sticker. * Guernsey driving licence holders may need one, or more,
International Driving Permit An International Driving Permit (IDP), often referred to as an international driving license, is a translation of a domestic driving licence that allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country or jurisdiction that recognises th ...
's (IDP) (A 1968 IDP, a 1949 IDP or a 1926 IDP. * Passport must be valid for at least 6 months * Have a return ticket and funds to support stay in EU. * Right to stay limited to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa. * Visa needed for work, business travel or study. * Meat and milk products cannot be taken into the EU. * Plants and plant products cannot be taken into the EU without a permit.


France

Fishing disputes have been frequent events over the years. In 2011 a peace deal was made. From 2021, following Brexit, Guernsey will licence all fishing boats, with non-Guernsey boats being limited to the 6 nm to 12 nm waters area. In 2013 long term agreements with Électricité de France (EdF) were signed to supply low carbon electricity for the
Channel Islands Electricity Grid The Channel Islands Electricity Grid (CIEG) is the joint company set up in 1998 between Guernsey Electricity and Jersey Electricity to operate and manage the submarine cables between mainland Europe and the Channel Islands. The grid physically com ...
. On 22 January 2015, an agreement of cooperation was signed by Guernsey and Jersey with La Manche and Lower Normandy. The purpose of the agreement is to develop institutional partnerships and strengthen exchanges in the areas of economic development, tourism, education and culture between Lower Normandy, La Manche, the Government of Jersey and the States of Guernsey.


Republic of Ireland

Guernsey has formed part of the
British–Irish Council The British–Irish Council (BIC) ( ga, Comhairle na Breataine-na hÉireann) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to improve collaboration between its members in a number of areas including transport, the environment, and energy. Its ...
since it was formed in 1999, as does Ireland. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010, 2014 and 2018 the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands". Guernsey's Deputy Chief Minister and Jersey's Assistant Chief Minister travelled to Dublin in September 2012 as a first step in a more coordinated approach to international relations. The purpose of the visit was to meet Ireland's Minister for European Affairs ahead of Ireland's assumption of the European Union presidency in 2013 for mutual discussions.


Relations with the Commonwealth


Commonwealth of Nations

The
States of Guernsey The States of Guernsey (french: États de Guernesey), sometimes referred to as the Government of Guernsey, is the parliament and government of the British Crown dependency of Guernsey. Some laws and ordinances approved by the States of Guern ...
have made calls for a more integrated relationship with the
Commonwealth of Nations The Commonwealth of Nations, simply referred to as the Commonwealth, is a political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. The chief institutions of the organisation are the Co ...
, including more direct representation and enhanced participation in Commonwealth organisations and meetings, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, however with no right to vote in the Ministerial or Heads of Government meetings.


Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Both
Alderney Alderney (; french: Aurigny ; Auregnais: ) is the northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands. It is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown dependency. It is long and wide. The island's area is , making it the third-largest ...
and
Guernsey Guernsey (; Guernésiais: ''Guernési''; french: Guernesey) is an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy that is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency. It is the second largest of the Channel Islands ...
are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.


Commonwealth Games

The
Bailiwick of Guernsey The Bailiwick of Guernsey (french: Bailliage de Guernesey; Guernésiais: ''Bailliage dé Guernési'') is an island country off the coast of France as one of the three Crown Dependencies. Separated from the Duchy of Normandy by and under the t ...
which includes Alderney, Sark, Herm and the other smaller islands is a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation and has attended every games event since the inauguration in 1970.


Relations with the business community

In 2011 Guernsey, which had previously been unrated, was awarded a AAA credit rating by Standard & Poor. The Guernsey Vetting Bureau was established to utilise the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for local employers and other organisations. In December 2013
The International Stock Exchange The International Stock Exchange (TISE) is a stock exchange headquartered in St. Peter Port, Guernsey. The TISE provides a listing facility for international companies to raise capital from investors worldwide. It offers a regulated marketplac ...
(TISE) was officially recognised by both the UK HMRC and the
Australian Securities Exchange Australian Securities Exchange Ltd or ASX, is an Australian public company that operates Australia's primary securities exchange, the Australian Securities Exchange (sometimes referred to outside of Australia as, or confused within Australia as ...
ASX and in March 2015, the Exchange became an Affiliate Member of the World Federation of Exchanges WFE.


Tax agreements

Guernsey has entered into a number of: * Double tax agreements (DTA) * Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) Guernsey has also signed: * EU Savings Tax Directive *
OECD The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD; french: Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques, ''OCDE'') is an intergovernmental organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate e ...
Base erosion and profit shifting Agreement (BEPS)


Twinning and affiliations

* Guernsey is twinned with
Biberach an der Riß Biberach an der Riß ( Swabian: ''Bibra''), often referred to as simply Biberach (), is a town in southern Germany. It is the capital of Biberach district, in the Upper Swabia region of the German state (Land) of Baden-Württemberg. It is called ...
*
Vale A vale is a type of valley. Vale may also refer to: Places Georgia * Vale, Georgia, a town in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region Norway * Våle, a historic municipality Portugal * Vale (Santa Maria da Feira), a former civil parish in the municipali ...
parish was twinned with the Normandy port of
Barneville-Carteret Barneville-Carteret () is a commune in the Manche department in the Normandy region of north-western France. For many years it has been a popular seaside resort destination. The commune resulted from a merger of two communes in 1964: Barnevill ...
in 1987. * Guernsey was affiliated with
No. 201 Squadron RAF Number 201 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Air Force. It currently operates the Boeing Poseidon MRA1 from RAF Lossiemouth, Moray. It is the only squadron affiliated with Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. This affiliation started in 1935 ...
until the unit was disbanded in 2010. * Guernsey has an affiliated warship,
HMS Daring Seven vessels of the British Royal Navy have been named HMS ''Daring''. * , a 12-gun launched in 1804 and destroyed after running aground in 1813. * , a 12-gun brig launched in 1844 and broken up in 1864. * , a 4-gun composite sloop launched in ...


External links


States of Guernsey External Relations

Tax Agreements


See also

United Kingdom–Crown Dependencies Customs Union


References

{{Guernsey topics , state=collapsed Politics of the British Isles