Politics
Dependencies no More?
Reflecting our joint constitutional relationship with the British Crown, rather than with the UK itself, the three islands are referred to as Crown Dependencies.
A Tynwald committee has recommended that the Isle of Man partner with the Channel Islands to find a better name to describe ourselves.
Reflecting our joint constitutional relationship with the British Crown, rather than with the UK itself, the three islands are referred to as Crown Dependencies.
The Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee, chaired by Tanya August-Hanson MLC, took evidence from representatives from the three islands’ parliaments as part of its wider review of the island’s constitution.
Juan Watterson SHK told the committee: ‘Whilst this title correctly connects our island nations to the Crown, it is perhaps time to review the ‘Dependency’ epithet. We are after all, not dependent on the UK. We have entered into relationships and partnerships, and we are doubtless the junior partner, but I don’t think it is right or helpful to market ourselves to the world as ‘dependencies’.
‘Whether we consider ourselves part of a network of ‘Crown Kingdoms’ alongside the Channel Islands and possibly Scotland, or choose some other label, I think the time for change has come.’
The former chief minister of Guernsey Gavin St Pier (looks like Max Branning from EastEnders) agreed with this sentiment and suggested the term ‘dominions’, but acknowledged that the three islands should agree on one term before suggesting it to Westminster.
Deputy Sam Mézec from Jersey appeared to agree but also said it would depend on the alternative.
The committee has recommended that the word ‘dependency’ doesn’t reflect the constitutional status in today’s world so wants the gov to engage with the public and work with our friends in the Channel to find a better term.
