25 September 2008
Migration and renewable energy are among the topics for discussion at the British Irish Council in Scotland on Friday (26 September).
Jersey will be represented by the Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker and Treasury and Resources Minister Senator Terry Le Sueur.
Senator Walker is expected to outline Jersey’s plans to address the challenges of an ageing population. The Chief Minister will also express his hope that the Island will continue to support the work of the BIC once he retires from politics later this year.
“The British Irish Council has given Jersey an invaluable opportunity to discuss common challenges and share best practice with neighbouring countries. The topical issues we’re due to discuss in South Queensferry for example; renewable energy, migration and the challenges and solutions to the ageing population, are critical issues for Jersey and, as is common with these gatherings, I expect some very high quality discussions.’’
Senator Le Sueur is expected to take part in a discussion on renewable energy led by the Scottish delegation. Scotland is already working on the challenges of harnessing and storing renewable energy and Senator Le Sueur will outline the Channel Islands’ involvement in a project to harness tidal energy. "As current forms of energy become more expensive and less plentiful, attention is turning more and more towards new and renewable sources of energy. The Channel Islands are well placed to benefit from possible developments in tidal energy and I look forward to Jersey playing a full part in pursing these policies.”
The meeting will be attended by delegates from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, and will be chaired by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond.
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