Islanders plan to mark Brexit with a bang

Friday 31 January 2020

There may be a few bangs in the sky tonight, with a number of islanders planning firework-filled parties to mark the UK's departure from the EU.

Starburst Fireworks is usually asked to cater for weddings, birthdays, and large events such as Liberation Day, the Battle of Flowers and Gorey Fête - but says it's now received requests for its pyrotechnic displays at a different kind of celebration.

A number of 'Brexit' parties are being held across the island, with some requesting fireworks to mark the occasion.

But they won't be able to 'bang' on the exact moment the UK leaves the European Union - 23:00 tonight - due to Jersey laws making it illegal to let off fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00.

In a Facebook post warning islanders not to flout the law no matter how tempted they are, the company said: “As on every other day of the year except Bonfire night, New Year’s Eve etc.. NO fireworks must be let off between 23:00 and 07:00.

"It’s Jersey law and we work hard for you to enjoy your fireworks, so please don’t ruin it for everyone. So, any display you plan must finish by 23:00 at the latest."

Managing Director James Bevis explained that the company was initially not planning on "pushing for sales", as Jersey is not part of EU. 

"Suddenly UK residents living in Jersey started to call and we were happy to provide them with garden fireworks for small parties, which is perfectly fine," he added.

Mr Bevis said that fireworks sales have been moderate, but there have been even more sales of "handheld confetti cannons" in red, white and blue.

"The UK fireworks companies however are extremely busy and in the UK, there will be some very big parties indeed," he added.

"People are fully entitled to purchase fireworks from us all year round for any celebration which they want to celebrate and we can provide a super selection of fireworks with all the correct advice."

Pictured, Senator Gorst: "islanders will not see any changes in their ability to travel to, or trade with, the European Union."

Meanwhile, the Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, has reassured islanders nothing will change when the UK legally leaves the EU.

He reminded islanders that there is a transition period which will maintain the status quo until 31 December 2020, by which time “a new relationship between the UK and EU should be in place”.

“Now that the UK is leaving the European Union with a transition period in place, islanders will not see any changes in their ability to travel to, or trade with, the European Union,” Senator Gorst said.

“My team is still working to ensure that Jersey’s interests are represented as the UK Government negotiates its future relationship with the EU,” he added.

“The Brexit Unit will focus on international trade, building on our Brexit and Global Markets objectives, and promoting and protecting Jersey’s international identity and reputation.” 

Any changes that impact on Islanders at the end of the transition period will only become evident once the UK and EU have reached agreement on their future relationship. Their negotiations start in earnest on 1 February.