MPs visit to Guernsey
Four French Members of Parliament have been welcomed to Guernsey for a visit focused on strengthening the island’s relationship with France and providing parliamentarians with a greater understanding of Guernsey’s priorities and current policy developments. The visit enabled discussions on Guernsey’s Marine Spatial Plan, energy projects, Millenium 2027 and connectivity which resulted in positive engagement with French Députés.
The visiting delegation were Député Philippe Gosselin, Député Bertrand Sorre, Député Stéphane Travert (former Minister for Agriculture) and Députée Claudia Rouaux. All are members of the French National Assembly’s study group for the Channel Islands, which works to develop and maintain relationships between the French Parliament and the islands.
Three of the Members of Parliament come from Normandy and one from Brittany, which shows how important neighbouring relationships with France are, including how they are reflected at the National Assembly. The French parliamentarians were welcomed by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, together with Deputies Steve Falla, Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Paul Montague, Chris Blin and Sally Rochester.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for Policy & Resources, said: “Guernsey’s relationship with France is one of great importance and this visit provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen our links with elected representatives from neighbouring regions. Our discussions covered a number of significant issues – from the sustainable management of our marine environment and future energy opportunities to connectivity and preparations for Millennium 2027 celebrating a thousand years since the birth of Guillaume / William the Conqueror. We were delighted to welcome the delegation to the island and look forward to continuing our positive engagement.”
Deputy Steve Falla, External Relations Lead for the Committee for Policy & Resources, said: “The close connections between Guernsey and France are reflected in our shared interests and the opportunities we have to work together on issues affecting our region. It was particularly valuable to discuss transport links and economic cooperation, and to exchange views on developments that will shape the future of our communities. We appreciate the time the delegation spent in Guernsey and the constructive nature of the discussions.”
MP Philippe Gosselin, co-president of the study group said: “This visit to Guernsey, similarly to the one in Jersey last year, has proven one more time to French Parliamentarians how strong, the links between France and Guernsey are, and more particularly with Normandy and Brittany. Beyond our close friendship and the strong historical heritage, this proximity is also reinforced by other important topics of common interest, such as tourism, trade and much more.”