Guernsey in the English Channel is a tiny state that comprises of the main island of Guernsey as well as the much smaller islands of Alderney, Sark (which has the very last feudalism in Europe), Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, Burhou, Lihou and other islets. It is closer to France than it is to Britain but is a British Crown Dependency.
Guernsey, and the other Channel Islands that also belong to Britain, such as Jersey, were once a part of the Duchy of Normandy in Northern France.
At the time England's King John (who was also Duke of Normandy) ruled several areas of France, but he ended up losing them, including Normandy. But the people of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands wanted to remain English rather than become French again, so to this day they are a British Crown Dependency. They are the only remaining part of the Duchy of Normandy, despite being British.
The monarch in Guernsey is still known as the Duke of Normandy rather than King or Queen.
The leader of each of the Channel Island nations (or "bailiwicks") is not a Prime Minister or a President, but a Bailiff. There are two Channel Island nations - Jersey and Guernsey - but they both comprise of many islands.
Guernsey to discuss severing link with UK
By Andrew Pierce
19/04/2007
Guernsey location
The tiny nation of Guernsey, population of 60,000, comprises the islands of Guernsey, Alderney and several smaller ones
A plan for Guernsey to become independent by severing its 800-year link with the United Kingdom is to be discussed in secret tomorrow by the island's parliament.
But the decision of Guernsey's States of Deliberation to hold the meeting behind closed doors has provoked anger among the 60,000 population.
Independence would be the biggest change in the island's history since King John lost control of Normandy in 1204 and the people opted to become English dependents rather than subject themselves to French rule.
The event is cloaked in such secrecy that the parliament communications office has been instructed not to release the agenda.
Flag of Guernsey and Coat of Arms
But The Daily Telegraph has seen a copy which includes four options: independence from the UK; retaining the status quo of Guernsey as a dependency of the Crown; federating with neighbouring Jersey; and forging closer links with Europe.
Gordon Dawes, a leading lawyer on the island, said: "It is so misconceived to have a meeting of such public importance that you invite the politicians, who are the representatives of the people, but exclude the people and the press.''
The calls for Guernsey to consider independence have grown because of European regulations filtered via Westminster. But most businessmen are more concerned about political stability.
Michael Torode, the chief minister, said the meeting was a constitutional seminar "to stimulate free thinking and discussion on a range of constitutional issues".
Challenged about the discussion, Dan Lecheminant, a long-serving deputy, said: "I have not even seen the agenda. We are not at liberty to discuss it anyway. It's Guernsey's business, not yours."
telegraph.co.uk
Guernsey, and the other Channel Islands that also belong to Britain, such as Jersey, were once a part of the Duchy of Normandy in Northern France.
At the time England's King John (who was also Duke of Normandy) ruled several areas of France, but he ended up losing them, including Normandy. But the people of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands wanted to remain English rather than become French again, so to this day they are a British Crown Dependency. They are the only remaining part of the Duchy of Normandy, despite being British.
The monarch in Guernsey is still known as the Duke of Normandy rather than King or Queen.
The leader of each of the Channel Island nations (or "bailiwicks") is not a Prime Minister or a President, but a Bailiff. There are two Channel Island nations - Jersey and Guernsey - but they both comprise of many islands.
Guernsey to discuss severing link with UK
By Andrew Pierce
19/04/2007
Guernsey location
The tiny nation of Guernsey, population of 60,000, comprises the islands of Guernsey, Alderney and several smaller ones
A plan for Guernsey to become independent by severing its 800-year link with the United Kingdom is to be discussed in secret tomorrow by the island's parliament.
But the decision of Guernsey's States of Deliberation to hold the meeting behind closed doors has provoked anger among the 60,000 population.
Independence would be the biggest change in the island's history since King John lost control of Normandy in 1204 and the people opted to become English dependents rather than subject themselves to French rule.
The event is cloaked in such secrecy that the parliament communications office has been instructed not to release the agenda.
Flag of Guernsey and Coat of Arms
But The Daily Telegraph has seen a copy which includes four options: independence from the UK; retaining the status quo of Guernsey as a dependency of the Crown; federating with neighbouring Jersey; and forging closer links with Europe.
Gordon Dawes, a leading lawyer on the island, said: "It is so misconceived to have a meeting of such public importance that you invite the politicians, who are the representatives of the people, but exclude the people and the press.''
The calls for Guernsey to consider independence have grown because of European regulations filtered via Westminster. But most businessmen are more concerned about political stability.
Michael Torode, the chief minister, said the meeting was a constitutional seminar "to stimulate free thinking and discussion on a range of constitutional issues".
Challenged about the discussion, Dan Lecheminant, a long-serving deputy, said: "I have not even seen the agenda. We are not at liberty to discuss it anyway. It's Guernsey's business, not yours."
telegraph.co.uk
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