How autonomous are the Crown Dependencies?

Clegg, Peter

Abstract

This article considers the nature, attributes and limitations of the contemporary constitutional and political relationship between the Crown Dependencies (CDs) (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey, and Isle of Man) and the UK. Relations have undoubtedly been buffeted during and after the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) and by discussions on the CDs’ offshore financial services industry. The article considers the important conventions that still shape CD-UK relations, how robust they are and if push came to shove to what extent could the UK intervene in the CDs’ autonomy, which they strongly defend. There is a common view, certainly in the CDs and parts of the UK Parliament, that the UK has a limited right to intervene, and certainly not without consent. The article interrogates this position and suggests that even though public clashes are rare there are tensions behind the scenes, despite efforts to mitigate them. In short, the article attempts to shine a light on current relations, the extent to which the UK can and should intervene and what changes might be seen in the medium-term.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 6, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 6, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 6, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 6, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 7, 2025
• Journal: E-International Relations
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13722719
• Publisher URL: https://www.e-ir.info/2025/02/06/how-autonomous-are-the-crown-dependencies/