JERSEY’S External Relations Minister has said he is “looking forward” to working with the new UK government minister with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies.
Deputy Ian Gorst’s comments follow the appointment of Lord Frederick Ponsonby, who will oversee the British government’s constitutional relationship with Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
The Labour life peer steps into the role previously held by former Conservative MP Mike Freer.
Before taking up this role, Lord Ponsonby was the opposition spokesman for home affairs and justice in the UK parliament.
Responding to the appointment, Deputy Gorst said: “I have written to congratulate Lord Ponsonby on his appointment and will be meeting him in September.
“I, and my ministerial colleagues, look forward to working with him and continuing to maintain the close and important relationship between Jersey and the UK government.”
Guernsey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said: “We welcome the appointment of Lord Ponsonby as the UK minister with the day-to-day responsibility for managing the UK government’s relationship with the Crown Dependencies and we look forward to meeting him soon.
“The role is an important link between the UK government and the governments of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man and helps to ensure that the islands’ priorities, challenges, histories and constitutional relationships continue to be well understood and represented.”
