Channel Islands politicians have been in Downing Street to ensure our “voice is heard” by the UK Government and the European Union as they agreed a major overhaul of their post-Brexit relationship.
Guernsey’s External Relations Minister Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq was there, along with Jersey’s Chief Minister and its External Relations Minister.
They joined the Prime Minister, senior UK ministers, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders at a summit aimed at resetting the post-Brexit relationship between Britain and the EU.
The new agreement, which covers trade, agriculture, youth mobility, defence, and security, includes a deal allowing European fishing boats continued access to British waters for another 12 years.
In return, the UK will benefit from reduced checks and paperwork on animal product exports entering the EU.
Deputy Le Tocq said this is “positive news for Guernsey”.
A spokesperson for Jersey’s government said it has been pushing to ensure the island’s specific needs are considered, particularly when it comes to agricultural exports to the EU and the protection of its territorial waters.
Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham said: “We have worked closely with the UK Government for many months to ensure Jersey’s interests are properly reflected in UK-EU discussions. We hope to reaffirm our priorities at the highest level.
“Detail surrounding agricultural trade and youth mobility with our European neighbours will be of particular interest to us, and we will continue to input into those discussions in the coming weeks.
“We also welcome the UK-EU commitment to greater defence and security cooperation.”
Agricultural trade and youth mobility with our European neighbours will be of particular interest to us
Jersey’s chief minister lyndon farnham
Jersey Deputy Ian Gorst added: “This event is an important opportunity to ensure Jersey’s voice is heard by the UK Government and the European Union as they discuss their relationship.
“There are a number of areas within the ‘UK-EU reset’ where Jersey has clear interests, and we are keen to achieve outcomes that will shape a positive future for islanders.”