Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Paragraph: 47
Appoint designated officials to represent Crown Dependencies during international negotiations
Recommendation
Overall, we believe that the Crown Dependencies should be represented during negotiations by specifically designated officials either from the UK Government or the Crown Dependencies.
Government Response Summary
The government states that its current free trade agreement negotiation teams already include specified officials with an understanding of the Crown Dependencies' interests, who lead on territorial application and consult with CD officials, alongside established processes to ensure engagement.
Paragraph Reference:
47
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
31. The Government acknowledges its duty to seek to represent the interests of the Crown Dependencies when acting in an international capacity. 32. In each free trade agreement negotiation, the team includes a specified official with an understanding of both the Crown Dependencies’ constitutional position and their trade policy interests. This official leads on chapter negotiations regarding territorial application, which defines Crown Dependency coverage in a free trade agreement. They will consult with officials from the Crown Dependencies on UK draft treaty text as negotiations progress. 33. In addition to the aforementioned chapter lead for territorial application, it is the responsibility of each UK negotiator to seek to represent Crown Dependency interests as they relate to their specific chapter. This is strengthened by a central hub in the Department for Business and Trade responsible for the overall relationship with the Crown Dependencies. Well established processes within the department ensure Chief Negotiators and Chapter Leads engage with the Crown Dependencies. 34. Through regular consultation throughout negotiations, the Government is able to accurately reflect Crown Dependencies’ interests in all UK free trade agreement negotiations, taking into account the wider negotiation dynamic.