The issue of independence was raised and considered on the back of an interim report from Jersey’s Constitution Review Group, published late last week.

"The timing of the meeting proved particularly useful to allow us to hear from Jersey on its Constitutional Review Report," Trott commented.

He added: "I must make it clear that it was stressed by the Jersey contingent that the issue from their perspective is about assessing some of the implications of moving towards a full independent position. The report does not address the desirability or otherwise of making such changes.

"I’ve read the report thoroughly and there is a lot to note, particularly with regard to cost. It is always useful to consider constitutional papers of this type."

Other issues discussed during the meeting with relevance to Guernsey were: freedom of information; tax information exchange agreements; International Monetary Fund visits; renewable energy sources; and the UK Treasury Select Committee’s Review into Offshore Financial Centres, the first hearing of which takes place on 2nd July.

"The meeting was a good opportunity to update each other and share experiences on a range of issues important to the islands," added Deputy Trott.

Also representing Guernsey at the meeting were HM Procureur Nik van Leuven and States Chief Executive Mike Brown.

Other attendees included Isle of Man Chief Minister Tony Brown and Treasury Minister Alan Bell; Jersey Deputy Chief Minister Senator Terry Le Sueur; and Alderney States president Sir Norman Browse and Richard Willmott, Chairman of the island’s Policy and Finance Committee.

Next year’s Crown Dependencies meeting will be hosted by Guernsey.