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By the time this edition hits shelves, the new Labour (or perhaps new New Labour? government, with its supermajority, will have been in power for one whole month. The 2024 General Election resulted in a complete transformation in the political landscape that will shape the direction the UK will be moving in for at least the next five years... so what does this mean for us?
The last decade has been a tumultuous - and often dissatisfying - onewhen it comes to the island's relationship with our northern neighbours.While Jersey has increasingly embraced its Anglo-side over the past century - with some, perhaps unfairly, describing the public service as Westminster-on-Sea - this appears to have done little to have made Crown Dependency voices ring any louder in the ears of those who have considerable influence over our fortunes.
One thinks of 'the vote we had no say in' and the resulting Great Fishing War and workforce woes that resulted, and repeated (unsuccessful) attempts by UK MPs to force the island's hand when it comes to beneficial ownership register legislation.
Sir Kier Starmer's Labour Party ran an election campaign that promised one thing above all others: change. The question for Jersey therefore is whether the relationship between the UK and the island will in fact really change.
The early signs have been good for the first time in history, representatives from the Crown Dependencies were invited to attend the State Opening of Parliament which, at least on paper, suggests a willingness to create stronger links and rebuild relationships. It is too early to tell whether this was a genuine sign of change, or just a token gesture, leaving a the "productive" relationship our Chief Minister hoped for a distant D:Ream (couldn't resist).
It can't hurt, therefore, to put un peu d'effort into rekindling with our amis in the south. After all, short of some (literal) tectonic shifts, France will always be our closest neighbours. This month's Special Report (P4) explores the collaborative efforts that have taken place since our last election in 2022.
Speaking of collaboration, one of the greatest examples of late has been the industry-wide effort to secure a positive Moneyval assessment. As ever, the report published last month showed some room for improvement, but overall a very strong endorsement of the island indeed. Getting a top grade wasn't easy - the examinations were rigorous. In Unplugged (P26), we get an inside view of how those panned out.
While we've not been treated to much of a summer so far (though we have been promised some extra degrees this month), it's hard to read the story of Little Joe' with the big ideas (No Ordinary Day Job, P16), and not feel a little sunnier inside.
Happy summer, enjoy Connect.
