New Scrutiny Panel to review Brexit

Sunday 30 July 2017

A new Scrutiny Panel has been set up to review “how the States of Jersey is preparing for Brexit and the specific changes to legislation that will follow Jersey’s 'Repeal Bill'", which is expected later this year.

The Panel, which held its first meeting last week, is headed by Deputy John Le Fondré, and, so as to draw on as wide a field of expertise as possible, also includes a representative from each of the existing Scrutiny Panels.

Those members will include Deputy Simon Brée (Vice Chairman), Deputy David Johnson, Deputy Richard Renouf and Deputy Jeremy Maçon.

According to Deputy Le Fondré: “It is important that a Panel with such a significant responsibility has been formed. Whilst we are not in the EU, the UK negotiations for Brexit will affect every islander in some manner. As such, effective scrutiny of both the strategy the Government has taken for navigating Brexit and the changes to legislation that will occur, is vital.”

Pictured: External Relations Minister Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, has assured EU citizens in Jersey of the Government's intention to protect their status.

Meanwhile, the Island’s Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, has been meeting the Honorary Consuls of nine nations whose citizens have made their home in the Island, to discuss the potential impact of Brexit and the wider concerns of foreign nationals living in Jersey.

Senator Bailhache commented: “Our immigrant communities make up an essential part of the rich and diverse diaspora of individuals living and working in the Island. Economically, socially and culturally, Jersey benefits greatly from the contribution of the approximately 15,000 non-British EU citizens resident in the Island. From the outset, therefore, the Government of Jersey has been clear about its desire to guarantee the position of EU citizens in Jersey at the earliest possible stage, as well as to preserve the position of Jersey people resident in the EU.”