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WQ.98/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS
BY DEPUTY K.M. WILSON OF ST. CLEMENT
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 3rd MARCH 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 10thMARCH 2025
Question
"Will the Minister advise to what extent his department has any involvement in the development of UK Foreign Policy and if it is not involved, explain why not; and will he further explain how the development of Jersey's external relations policy is informed by world events?"
Answer
The conduct of UK foreign policy is ultimately a matter for His Majesty's Government. Nonetheless, Jersey maintains an open and positive relationship with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), supported by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with our constitutional relationship. This relationship includes regular discussions relating to Jersey's bilateral and multilateral engagement with third countries, such as Ministerial visits, treaty negotiations, or consular issues, as well as informing the UK's representation of Jersey's interests in line with the 2007 Framework for developing the international identity of Jersey agreed between Jersey and the UK.
Our high-level engagement with the FCDO, both in London and across UK overseas diplomatic missions, ensures that UK foreign policy appropriately reflects these interests whilst also respecting the UK's formal responsibilities under international law.
Jersey maintains an external relations policy which is distinct from, albeit closely aligned to, that of the UK. The Common Policy for External Relations contains the core principles of the Island's international engagement and outlines the priority areas for activity with key partners including the UK, France and wider European or non-European nations.
Within this overarching framework, the work of the Ministry of External Relations continues to be informed by global events. Officials regularly advise Ministers on matters that may impact not only our long-term bilateral and multilateral relationships, but which also affect vital aspects of our day-to-day work including the implementation of Jersey's autonomous sanctions regime.