Guernsey welcomes French Members of Parliament

Friday 04 September 2026

Guernsey politicians have welcomed four French parliamentarians for a visit focused on strengthening the island's relationship with France while discussing priorities and current policy developments.

The visit enabled discussions on Guernsey's Marine Spatial Plan, energy projects, Millennium 2027 and connectivity which resulted in positive engagement with French Députés.

The visiting delegation were Député Philippe Gosselin, Député Bertrand Sorre, Député Stéphane Travert (former Minister for Agriculture) and Députée Claudia Rouaux. All are members of the French National Assembly's study group for the Channel Islands, which works to develop and maintain relationships between the French Parliament and the islands.

Three of the Members of Parliament come from Normandy and one from Brittany, which shows how important neighbouring relationships with France are, including how they are reflected at the National Assembly.

The French parliamentarians were welcomed by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, together with Deputies Steve Falla, Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Paul Montague, Chris Blin and Sally Rochester.

The French delegation also visited Victor Hugo's House and were welcomed there by Odile Blanchette, French Honorary Consul. They then met with the Bailiff-Designate of Guernsey, Jessica Roland.

The delegation travelled from Diélette with Manche Iles Express for the day. The visit was coordinated by the Bureau des Iles Anglo-Normandes, the Channel Islands' regional bureau representing Guernsey and Jersey's interests in France, based in Caen (Normandy).

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said:

"Guernsey's relationship with France is both important and valuable, and this visit provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen our links with French MPs representing neighbouring regions. Our discussions covered a number of significant issues - from the sustainable management of our marine environment and future energy opportunities, to connectivity and trade, and preparations for Millennium 2027, celebrating a thousand years since the birth of Guillaume/William the Conqueror. We were delighted to welcome the delegation to the island and pleased that the discussions were so comprehensive and positive."

Deputy Steve Falla, External Relations Lead for the Policy & Resources Committee, said:

"The close connections between Guernsey and France are reflected in our shared interests and we must remain open to any further opportunities to work together on issues affecting our region. It was particularly valuable to discuss transport links and economic cooperation and to exchange views on developments that will shape the future of our communities. We appreciate the time the delegation spent in Guernsey and the constructive nature of the discussions."

Député Philippe Gosselin, member of the French National Assembly's study group for the Channel Islands, said:

"This visit to Guernsey, similarly to the one in Jersey last year, has proven one more time to French Parliamentarians how strong the links between France and Guernsey are, and more particularly with Normandy and Brittany. Beyond our close friendship and the strong historical heritage, this proximity is also reinforced by other important topics of common interest such as tourism, trade and much more."