Visit of Lord Ponsonby, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice

Monday 07 October 2024

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede visited the Bailiwick of Guernsey for the first time since his appointment as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice, and since taking responsibility for the relationships between the UK and the Crown Dependencies in July 2024.

Lord Ponsonby visited Alderney and Sark for a day each last week before coming to Guernsey.

The visit was an opportunity to learn more about the islands and to understand the current issues and priorities of each of the three governments, as well as Bailiwick relationships and our shared interests.

In Guernsey, Lord Ponsonby met with various representatives from the island's government, and with HE the Lieutenant-Governor, the Bailiff and other representatives from the island's community. Topics discussed included the constitutional relationships between the UK and the Bailiwick, financial services, trade, the positive value of Guernsey to the UK's economy and Guernsey's government priorities.

Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said:

"It's a great pleasure to meet Lord Ponsonby again and to welcome him to Guernsey for his first official visit. I am encouraged that he chose to come to the Bailiwick so early in his time in post at the UK's Ministry of Justice, recognising the part of his Ministerial portfolio which covers the relationship with the islands' governments. My colleagues and I have enjoyed interesting conversations with him on varied topics. We have had the opportunity to reiterate that we welcome the recognition in the Labour Party's manifesto that it will defend the security, sovereignty and right to self determination of the islands. We also discussed the UK Government's commitment to economic growth and the role that Guernsey plays in supporting that."

Lord Ponsonby said:

"I have enjoyed learning about the island, including hearing more about how Guernsey looks to maintain its high regulatory standards as part of its objective, shared with the UK, to prevent financial crime of any type. I am keen to work closely with Guernsey and the other Crown Dependencies to make sure their interests are taken into account across the UK Government, and ensure the constitutional relationship is understood throughout Whitehall."