Have your say on Brexit

Wednesday 03 May 2017

A survey which enables Jersey residents to give their views on Brexit and the potential impact it will have on Island life has been launched by the External Relations Department.

The survey, which is part of the Let's Talk Brexit campaign, is available on the government website as well as on printed versions in all Parish Halls, at Cyril Le Marquand House and at the Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau. The deadline for responses has been set for 19 May 19th.

It takes about 15 minutes to complete, contains questions about the impacts of Brexit on Islanders' life, for example how important is it to them to travel within the EU without a visa. It also asks people for their concerns regarding the impact on housing, the value of the pound, or the cost of living among other things. 

Another section asks Islanders to consider the opportunities that could arise out of Brexit, such as a stronger relationship with the UK, fairer immigration policies or greater competitiveness. 

Christian May, Communications Manager for Ministry of External Relations, explained that the goal of the survey was to understand Islanders' views on Brexit. He told Express: "What we are hoping to achieve is judging the particular issues Islanders raise and make sure those are shared with the UK as part of their on-going preparations to leave the EU. We want to ensure that the views of Jersey residents are represented."

Mr May also stressed the importance of the survey, which is open to all Islanders regardless of age. "We want this to be as wide a consultation as possible. We need people of all backgrounds and ages to reply, we are not being restrictive. Everyone on the Island will be affected in different ways and we are open and listening to everyone's views. All of the answers are strictly confidential so we want people to be as honest as they want to be as their views will be useful in forming policies." 

The results of the survey, which is part of the Let's Talk Brexit campaign launched earlier this year, will be published sometime this summer says Mr May. "We are not quite sure of the format it will take yet. All the answers will go back to the States department who are helping us collate the information. We are hoping to publish some form of report during the summer and we will make sure to make it widely available."