Former Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache.
MINISTERS must prepare for independence from the UK as the constitutional relationship between the two jurisdictions worsens, according to former Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache.
In the latest edition of the Jersey and Guernsey Law Review, Sir Philip writes that Islanders are increasingly being treated as ‘not quite British’ and that ministers should start preparing for the worst so that they are not caught out if the relationship breaks down completely.
And he criticises ministers for ignoring a two-year-old report recommending that research and preparation for independence be carried out.
In the article, entitled ‘One or two steps from sovereignty’, Sir Philip cites the UK’s refusal to allow the States of Jersey Police to import Tasers, the lack of consultation over border control plans dropped last year and the three-year delay of a 1998 finance bill to be passed on to the Privy Council as examples of the changing relationship.
• a full report is published in today’s Jersey Evening Post
Article posted on 21st January, 2010 – 2.59pm