The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
2.2
Written Submission 2.2
Mr Roger Goodwin – 01.04.13 Dear Panel,
My comments on the Chief Minister's proposal to establish a Minister for External Relations are set out below :-
- I am totally in favour of the establishment of this new ministerial position, concurrent with - and under the direction of - the Chief Minister.
- I consider this to be an essential role to provide initial single-point contact within the States of Jersey for promoting the Island's position in all dealings with UK, EU and other International Affairs.
- In order for the role to become fully effective in terms of safeguarding the interests of the Island, essential changes will be required in respect of the current External Relations : Common Policy as set out in Report R.140/2012.
- The UK Ministry of Justice does not currently represent the interests of the Island in a fit and proper manner. The Minister for External Relations will need to be empowered to re- negotiate with the Sovereign State in order for changes to be implemented to satisfy clause 3 above. This may necessitate a form of Sovereign Independence to relax the restrictions under the terms of the current entrustment. The Island must be capable of binding itself internationally without seeking the express consent of the Sovereign State.
- Protocol 3 is in need of revision to ensure similar powers as under clause 4 above, in terms of EU dealings. This should set out to protect the Island's economic and prime business interests.
- The Island has a "vulnerability" to world economic affairs and its financial services sector must be secured for the foreseeable future. The Island is a well regulated centre of financial excellence and this fact needs to be communicated by the appointed Minister as a matter of some urgency to the UK, the EU and other major international centres/governments.
Clauses 3 to 6 above are somewhat outwith the Scrutiny Panel's call for evidence, but are viewed as essential tasks to be undertaken by the newly appointed Minister for External Relations.
Yours sincerely,
Roger Charles GOODWIN