11 September 2013
The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, has welcomed comments made in the House of Commons on 9 September 2013 by the UK Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron, MP.
Addressing fellow Members of Parliament, Mr Cameron recognised the positive steps taken by Jersey and the other Crown dependencies. He said “I do not think it is fair any longer to refer to any of the overseas territories or Crown Dependencies as tax havens. They have taken action to make sure that they have fair and open tax systems. It is very important that our focus should now shift to those territories and countries that really are tax havens. The Crown dependencies and overseas territories, which matter so much – quite rightly – to the British people and Members have taken the necessary action and should get the backing for it.”
Responding to these remarks, Senator Gorst said “I am pleased that the Prime Minister has recognised the international efforts of Jersey and the other Crown dependencies in such robust terms. His words highlight the positive action that Jersey has taken to demonstrate its commitment to international transparency and cooperation. We have long maintained that we are not a tax haven and it is good to see this now endorsed by Mr Cameron.
“The Prime Minister’s statement that the Crown dependencies matter so much to the British people is reinforced by the recent report by Capital Economics which has provided the most comprehensive picture yet of the interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship between Jersey and the UK, and shows how the Island’s economy, driven by a robust and transparent financial services industry, supports jobs and investment in the UK.”
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