This section contains information for UK Government officials on working with Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It contains information on the relationship between the UK, the Crown and the Islands. It also includes key points to consider before consulting the Islands, information on communication with and travel to the Islands.
The Queen is the Head of State in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The Crown is ultimately responsible for the good government of each Island. The Crown's responsibilities for the Islands are exercised through The Privy Council. The Lord Chancellor is the Privy Counsellor with special responsibility for the conduct of the Islands' business within Whitehall. The Right Hon Harriet Harman QC MP is the minister responsible for the conduct of islands' business within Whitehall.
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have a close historical relationship with the UK. They are not part of the UK and have never been British colonies or Overseas Territories.
They are self-governing dependencies of the Crown with their own parliaments and elected representatives, legal systems and courts, and ministers and civil servants. Acts of the UK Parliament do not apply to the Islands unless specifically extended to them. The UK is, however, responsible for defence and international relations on behalf of the Islands.
The most recent statement of the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Islands is contained in the 1973 Report of the Royal Commission on the Constitution, known as the Kilbrandon Report.
You should consult us before you:
You should never state or imply that the Islands are part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain, or England, or act on that assumption
If an Island Government asks for a visit by UK Government officials to provide information or advice, the Island is usually responsible for payment of the cost of travel and subsistence. If the visit is longer than four days, they may also pay travel, subsistence, salary and superannuation. Charges may be waived in those instances where the department or agency concerned regards the visit as being also in the furtherance of a UK interest. Before the visit takes place, the department or agency should agree with Island authorities whether the Island would be charged for the visit.