High Court rejects Barclay brothers Sark case

The High Court has rejected Barclay brothers’ claim that proposed constitutional changes on Sark Island are not sufficiently sweeping. The billionaire twins, who own approximately one fifth of the Channel isle, had asked the court to block legislation that will leave two unelected positions intact while introducing an elected parliament. The brothers have vowed to press on with their fight for reforms. They own the £60m neighbouring island of Brecqhou and have invested heavily in the tourist industry. The Barclays’ main objection is the planned retention of the seigneur, the hereditary lord who leases Sark from the Queen, and of the seneschal, the head criminal and civil judge who is also the presiding speaker of parliament. The Ministry of Justice stated that it will be able to implement its new constitution and land reform legislation pending any appeal to the Court of Appeal. 19/06/08 Financial Times 5,  Times 4