Jersey welcomes UK White Paper on Brexit

Friday 03 February 2017

Officials in Jersey are welcoming comments by the UK's Brexit Secretary that he will make sure Jersey has as much access to EU markets as possible, once the UK leaves the European Union.

Yesterday, the Secretary of State for exiting the EU presented a White Paper to UK MPs in Westminster. The report set out the UK Government’s objectives for their new relationship with the European Union after UK withdrawal.

David Davis MP commented that the UK government will continue to respect the constitutional position of the Crown Dependencies, and will be making sure that the Crown Dependencies have as much market access as possible

In a statement, Jersey officials commented:

"The Government of Jersey also welcomes references in the White Paper to the formal quarterly meetings between the Chief Ministers of the Crown Dependencies and UK Ministers. The paper commits the UK government to involving us fully in their work, to respecting our interests and to engaging with Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies as the UK enters negotiations. The Government of Jersey will continue to work closely with the UK Government to ensure that our interests are fully understood and taken into account."

The Chief Minister, Senator Gorst, said: “This document reaffirms the UK’s commitment to engaging with the Crown Dependencies. Jersey’s primary objectives are to preserve the substance of our relationship with the UK, maintain the Common Travel Area, and obtain the best possible market access. I am pleased that this White Paper is closely aligned with our aims.”