Government says UK's relationship with World Trade Organisation should include Guernsey

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Guernsey's government is considering extending the UK's relationship with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to include the Bailiwick.

A report by the island's Policy and Resources Committee says a relationship with the WTO could help Guernsey's economy in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

The States want the UK to extend its relationship to the Bailiwick after Brexit but criteria has to be met before the WTO would allow it.

A no-deal Brexit could have a "detrimental impact" on Guernsey's economy according to the report.

When the World Trade Organisation was set up in 1994, both Guernsey and Jersey could not have membership extended to them from the UK because of their tax regimes.

The States are being asked to agree:

  • The UK's relationship with the WTO should extend to Guernsey.

  • Commit to meeting the UK's World Trade Organisation rules.

  • Allow the Policy and Resources Committee to negotiate on behalf of the States.

  • Send a formal request to the UK Government for an extension.

  • To prepare and write laws that would allow an extension to the WTO.

The proposition will be debated at a later date.