'Jexit' meetings described as "productive"

Wednesday 25 January 2017

Meetings between Jersey government officials and business leaders with the UK Parliament's Justice Select Committee to discuss the Island’s approach to Brexit were “productive”, Express has been told.

The Committee were visiting to discuss opportunities and risks arising from the UK’s exit from the European Union, potential constitutional implications and the efficiency of communications between the UK government and Crown Dependencies, with a report to be published in due course.

A States of Jersey spokesperson told Express that the Committee held a “broad range” of meetings with ministers, States members, and representatives of wide-reaching sectors including finance, agriculture and fisheries, as well as members of the Island’s strong Polish and Portuguese communities.

“It was a productive visit that allowed the Committee to hear from a range of voices in the Island concerning the potential implications of Brexit for Jersey.”

“The Government of Jersey continues to welcome the seriousness with which the UK Government is treating engagement with the Crown Dependencies following the Brexit vote, emphasising the need for this to continue after Article 50 has been triggered.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Richard Corrigan, Interim Director of Financial Services for the States echoed this in a tweet:

Excellent & productive meeting with industry leaders and @Ian_Gorst talking about Jersey's approach to Brexit. #JCOC #lobbyingformembers

— Jersey Chamber (@jerseychamber) 24 January 2017

Productive meetings held between @Ian_Gorst @StatesofJersey and @UKParliament Justice Select Committee on #Brexit related issues

— Richard Corrigan (@jflrichard) 24 January 2017

Prior to the meetings, key Island industries had been invited to submit evidence on the potential consequences of Brexit for them.

In their submissions, Jersey Finance had said described the current relationship between the UK’s exit from the EU as, “…a real opportunity for the UK and Jersey to grow the existing relationship further, through investment by non-EU based investors.”

The Committee has now arrived in Guernsey to continue its assessment before the UK formally triggers Article 50.

Following yesterday's UK Supreme Court ruling in favour of a Parliament vote prior to this, the process of withdrawal could begin “within days.”