20 September 2011
Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, will return to Jersey tomorrow following a busy 3-day visit to the Liberal Democrats’ Party conference in Birmingham.
In a packed schedule of meetings, Senator Ozouf held talks with UK politicians in order to further strengthen Jersey’s links with the UK and to create economic opportunities for the Island.
Speaking from the conference, Senator Ozouf said: "This has been a great opportunity to engage on behalf of the Island with some of the coalition government’s influential politicians, across a broad range of issues. My one-to-one meetings with Sir Alan Beith MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee, and with Lord McNally, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, allowed me to speak in depth about UK political issues that really affect Jersey. It is through face to face meetings such as these that we can develop our relationships in Whitehall and ensure that issues like the reciprocal health agreement are picked up in good time.
Raising Awareness
"I have also been working hard to raise awareness of Jersey Finance’s success in the Middle East, where they have recently opened an office to promote the Island’s financial services industry in the region. I held positive meetings on this subject with Lord German and Lord Redesdale, both of whom are closely involved with Parliamentary groups with an interest in Gulf Cooperation Council countries."
Senator Ozouf also engaged in dialogue with Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, at a Party event yesterday (19 September).
Senator Ozouf commented: "Issues that were under discussion at last night’s event will drive economic growth in the British Isles over the coming years. I am pleased that the interests of Jersey were represented at those discussions."
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