When the UK originally joined the European Economic Community in the '70s a special deal was struck - Protocol 3 - which gave the Channel Islands what many people described as 'special status'. In effect, it meant the islands were both 'in and out' of the community. At the time, politicians claimed it allowed the islands to have the best of both worlds: they could trade with the EEC, but didn't have to obey all the rules and regulations. It meant both agriculture and financial services flourished. Now, that status is in doubt.

It'll be at least three months before the UK leaves the EU and there's likely to be lots of discussions with Europe as new deals are struck. Mr Lincoln says it's important the islands have a say in these. He wants Jersey's politicians to form an action group with those from Guernsey and Gibraltar so they can more vigorously fight their case.

Mr Lincoln says: "We must have a place at the table and talk with the other Crown dependencies".

Business leaders in Jersey have warned that the Island's economy must prepare itself for a period of uncertainty, followed the UK's decision to leave the EU. The Chamber of Commerce has said this morning that it is "unclear" how Jersey will feature in the UK's negotiations with Europe over the next two years, as it works out how to exit, and there are already fears that the Island will be "... at the back of the negotiation queues."

Chamber President, Kristina La Feuvre said: “The immediate impact to Jersey’s business community is difficult to predict. Jersey is outside the EU for most purposes and the direct impact on Jersey would therefore be expected to be limited. Jersey’s free trade in goods and services with the UK (where most of our exports are directed) would remain unaffected. While it is in theory possible that free trade in goods with the EU Member States could disappear at the end of the two year withdrawal period, in practice we would expect a new arrangement to have been put in place."

“It is imperative the Island's business community are kept well informed. Chamber members and Islanders need to know that our Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, and his team are negotiating the very best deal possible with the UK, EU and global politicians. Ensuring the Island's interests are a priority and Jersey’s economy remains buoyant."

Chamber Vice-president, Eliot Lincoln, described it as a "surprising" vote, which will impact our trade, our economy and and our immigration. 

"Now we've had the vote, we know there's something going to happen...at least we have a decision so we can start to move ahead. What's important for businesses is that we stay positive. Jersey has been a very stable place to do business, its the uncertainty that has been the most difficult thing."