Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Second Report - The constitutional relationship with the Crown Dependencies
Justice Committee
HC 30
Published 28 March 2024
Recommendations
7
Deferred
Para 30
Evaluate Cabinet Office role in facilitating urgent multi-departmental Crown Dependency engagement
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government consider whether the Cabinet Office could potentially have a role, alongside the Ministry of Justice, in facilitating engagement on urgent matters requiring the involvement of several UK Government departments.
Government Response Summary
The government will carefully consider developing a formal framework for the relationship with Crown Dependencies and seek their views, expressing caution about codifying it, but does not directly commit to a Cabinet Office role for urgent matters.
Ministry of Justice
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18
Deferred
Para 65
Explore options with Government of Jersey to streamline Royal Assent process for legislation.
Recommendation
We are pleased to hear that the process by which Royal Assent is granted to primary legislation from Guernsey is being streamlined, similar to that which already operates for the Isle of Man, and anticipate that, once implemented, it will …
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Government Response Summary
The government provided a general statement about the Ministry of Justice's role in coordinating cross-departmental issues affecting Crown Dependencies, entirely unrelated to the recommendation about streamlining Jersey's Royal Assent process.
Ministry of Justice
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Conclusions (3)
8
Conclusion
Deferred
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 …
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.
13
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 49
Representation of the interests of the Crown Dependencies in international relations is not optional, according to whether or not their interests are in line with those of the UK: it is the UK Government’s duty. In cases of conflict, the Ministry of Justice must endeavour to find a mechanism for …
Government Response Summary
The government merely acknowledged the Committee's recognition of positive direct engagement, without addressing its duty to represent Crown Dependency interests in cases of conflict or the proposal for specifically designated officials.
15
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 54
Extension mechanisms in several free trade agreements, including the CPTPP, have already been obtained by the UK Government. It is important to proceed with activating these mechanisms so that the approach can be tested and, if necessary, refined and improved. This should happen as soon as possible and the Department …
Government Response Summary
The government responded by agreeing on the importance of early and regular engagement between departments and Crown Dependencies for UK policymaking, entirely failing to address the recommendation to activate existing extension mechanisms promptly.