Rebel urges deputies to oppose bypassing law

Politicians in Guernsey are being asked by a senior member of a government committee to vote against plans to suspend competition laws.

Last week, the Economic Development Committee (ED) put forward plans to bypass local rules to allow Sure to buy Airtel-Vodaphone after it dropped similar plans last year.

Jersey's competition regulator approved the deal earlier this month.

ED Vice-President Deputy Steve Falla said: "I have have nothing against the companies involved, but the States shouldn't be getting involved in a commercial transaction."

ED President Neil Inder said "the commitments from Sure secure the best possible outcomes for consumers and guarantees large-scale investment in Guernsey".

Mr Falla argued it was not right that the States should be looking to bypass its own laws.

He said: "We have a competition law and we're looking to exempt ourselves from that, and the regulatory element hasn't been engaged. One can only question why.

"There are a number of worries with this deal.

"We are not following the structure we have set up, and I don't like the process. However I look at it, I can't bring myself to support it."

As part of the move, Sure has offered to help the Channel Islands Co-Op launch a new mobile service.

Mr Inder said he "welcomed" the Co-Op's entry into the market.

He labelled it a "very positive outcome for competition and for consumers and a positive endorsement of Guernsey's overall business environment".

Part of ED's proposals stated that trade agreements Guernsey has entered into, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, require a commitment to competition law.

Mr Falla said this was part of his concerns: "We don't know if we go ahead with this how it will be tested externally.

"It has to be a consideration when we vote for this."

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