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A Jersey politician has suggested the term 'Crown Dependency' should become 'Crown Territory' to represent the autonomy of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man – arguing that "we are not dependent upon the UK".
Sir Philip Bailhache said the islands should work together to push for this change.
Speaking to the Isle of Man's 'Manx Radio' last week, Sir Philip acknowledged the UK's responsibility for the defence and foreign policy of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
However, he argued that the islands are not easily defensible and have aspirations to have a greater role in foreign affairs.
Pictured: Former Guernsey Chief Minister Gavin St Pier has previously called for the use of the term 'Crown Dominions'.
Sir Philip said: "I think that 'dependency' is quite the wrong term because, for all practical purposes, we are not dependent upon the United Kingdom.
"I think the three Crown Dependencies should join together and say we don't want to be called 'Crown Dependencies' anymore. We ought to be called 'Crown Territories'."
He explained: "I know that the UK is responsible for our defence, but as we learned in 1940, the Channel Islands are not really defensible.
"And so far as foreign affairs are concerned, we have aspirations to do rather more than what we do at the moment."
The current term has also been disputed by former Guernsey Chief Minister Gavin St Pier, who called for the use of the term 'Crown Dominions'.
However, Sir Philip felt that the term sounded "too colonial" and did not accurately reflect the constitutional status of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
What do you think? Is it time to change the term 'Crown Dependencies'? ???????? ???????? ????????
— Manx Radio (@ManxRadio) January 24, 2024
Crown Dependencies 'should be called Crown Territories' https://t.co/8his5rHx6b
Residents of the Isle of Man shared their opinions on the matter in response to a social media post from Manx Radio.
Some supported the proposed change, others advocated for complete independence from the UK, while others thought the focus on terminology was unimportant and a distraction from more pressing issues.
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