Letter from the Minister for External Relations to the UK Crown Dependencies Minister

29 May 2024

Mike Freer MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Ministry of Justice

102 Petty France

London

SW1H 9AJ

13^th March 2024

[Handwritten: Dear Mike]

As you are aware, on 27^th February 2024 the States Assembly debated a proposition lodged by a backbench member on the current situation in Israel and Gaza. As Minister for External Relations, I proposed several amendments to the Proposition.

There were a range of objectives underpinning the amendments, including: ensuring that the proposition could better reflect the views of a majority of the community in Jersey; maintaining consistency with Jersey's constitutional relationship with the UK, which as you know is responsible for representing Jersey at the international level in matters of foreign policy; and providing greater accuracy in using language widely employed by the international community regarding this complex and sensitive topic.

I am pleased to confirm that the Assembly accepted the overwhelming majority of the amendments and that the debate was conducted in a courteous manner, reflecting the significance of these issues, the strength of feeling they generate, and the importance we in Jersey continue to place on the expression of our democratic institutions and our constitutional relationship with the UK.

I enclose a copy of the agreed proposition, which specifically requests that the UK Government is made aware of the view of the States Assembly. Accordingly, I am writing to fulfil the instruction that was made of me by the States Assembly in this respect.

I very much look forward to us speaking again soon.

Yours sincerely

Deputy Ian Gorst

Minister for External Relations

Enc

Approved proposition of the States Assembly (P.7/2024)

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion –

to express their profound sadness and dismay at the extent of loss of civilian lives in Gaza and Israel and to condemn the taking of hostages and all acts of aggression which violate international law and result in death and harm to civilians, especially women and children;

that an immediate suspension of hostilities should be established to enable the unconditional release of hostages and those held under unlawful detention, the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance, and a permanent ceasefire;

that international law should be adhered to in order to prevent death and harm to civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure on a mass scale;

that the independence and work of the International Court of Justice, including in relation to the conflict in Gaza should be respected having particular regard to the court's interim ruling;

that a diplomatic resolution to the conflict is vital, in order to secure stability and a lasting peace in the region, based on a solution which provides justice, freedom from occupation, and security for both Israelis and Palestinians; and

to request that the Government of Jersey express the view of the Assembly on this matter to the UK Government.