Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee

Recommendation 8

8 Deferred

Consult Crown Dependencies on formalising MoJ relationship framework for engagement and dispute resolution

Conclusion
The active consideration being given by the Lord Chancellor and Minister Freer to the framework for the relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Dependencies is welcome. The Ministry of Justice should consult the Crown Dependencies on the feasibility of formalising such a framework and what it could usefully contain, building on the existing International Identity Frameworks. For example, we believe that it could usefully set out expectations for engagement and consultation and clarify the Ministry of Justice’s role in the event of a dispute. (Paragraph 32) Participation in international trade deals
Government Response Summary
The government responded by discussing the importance of services to Crown Dependency economies and its commitment to continue seeking extension mechanisms in free trade agreements, completely sidestepping the recommendation on formalising a framework for the MoJ-CD relationship.
Government Response Deferred
HM Government Deferred
25. The Government recognises the importance of services to the Crown Dependencies’ economies and supports the Crown Dependencies’ trade ambitions. 26. Extension mechanisms offer additional time for the Crown Dependencies to review trade agreements, determine whether they wish to make any changes necessary to domestic legislation or regulation, and to make these changes to ensure compliance with the final treaty text. 27. The Government will continue to seek extension mechanisms in free trade agreements to facilitate extending coverage to the Crown Dependencies. This approach ensures services and investment coverage remains possible for Crown Dependencies, whilst avoiding delays to UK ratification of free trade agreements.