Lord Irvine: Briefing on constitution

Lord Irvine - who has political responsibility in Westminister for overseeing the Channel Islands - will be briefed on the island's system of government, and the issues it is facing.

The visit comes amid pressure by the UK to modernise the island's constitution.

Jersey set up its independent constitution about 800 years ago, but retains strong links to the Crown.

The States has been considering proposals for a new ministerial system of government, published in a report by Sir Cecil Clothier in 2002.

But while the proposals have been agreed in principle, discussions are still going on over the details.

On Wednesday morning Lord Irvine will attend a briefing with the bailiff, the attorney general and key political figures.

States member, Advocate Christopher Lakeman, will be hosting a lecture on the Clothier reforms on Wednesday at 1900 at Highlands College.

He says the reforms demonstrate the difficulties of changing a parliament's structure in a relatively time.

Lord Irvine has also met Alderney state members, as well as the seigneur and representatives of the Chief Pleas in Sark.