If the Channel Islands sat in the middle of the English Channel

What changes if the Channel Islands are located in the middle of the English Channel?

Britain would be much less willing to abandon them and would defend and evacuate them more carefully because control of a central position would directly affect the Channel.

A central position would turn the islands from an exposed outpost into terrain directly affecting movement through the English Channel. Britain would therefore fight much harder to retain them during World War II. Evacuation would be planned more carefully because surrendering the position could threaten the surrounding sea route. The islands would also be more exposed to weather and attack, so their greater strategic value would come with a more demanding defence problem.