THE Island’s right to set its own taxes will not come under the microscope during the review of the finance industries of the Crown Dependencies.

It has also been confirmed that Jersey’s constitutional relationship with the UK will not be part of the terms of reference. It was confirmed at a meeting in London yesterday with UK Treasury and Justice Ministers that the review ordered by Chancellor Alastair Darling will focus primarily on examining the long-term sustainability of the Island’s policies governing its finance industry.

Jersey’s Chief Minister Frank Walker made his final visit to Westminster yesterday before his retirement from office next month. He said that the meeting and its conclusions were evidence of continued collaboration between the Island and the UK government at a time of international uncertainty.

Along with his counterparts from Guernsey and the Isle of Man, Senator Walker met Treasury Minister Lord Myners and the politician with responsibility for the Channel Islands, Lord Bach, to discuss the review of the finance industries of the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

• Picture: Treasury Minister Lord Myners was at the meeting attended yesterday by Jersey’s Chief Minister, Frank Walker