The first hearing of a Scrutiny panel set up specifically to track Jersey’s preparations for the impact of Brexit takes place today (Monday).
For months ministers and civil servants have been continuing their work to ensure the island’s interests are heard in both Westminster and Brussels, with a £900,000 budget boost to fund their activity.
But today, the hearing – open to the public – will be the first chance, since the UK government reached an agreement with the EU on the first stage of Brexit negotiations, for Jersey’s Brexit team to offer their analysis.
In a recent report to the States, External Relations Minister Senator Sir Philip Bailhache said: “The coming years will undoubtedly present both serious challenges and great opportunities, and we do not underestimate the scale of the task ahead. Throughout this time, the involvement of States Members, local businesses and members of the public will be vital.”
“We will continue to seek to engage, explain and, importantly, listen to what matters to Islanders as a whole. These issues affect us all, and it is only through working together that we can build a successful economic future for Jersey.”
The panel is being chaired by Deputy John Le Fondre, supported by Deputy Simon Bree, Deputy David Johnson, Deputy Richard Renouf and Deputy Jeremy Macon.
The government has an early sense of what people in Jersey think of Brexit after nearly 900 people responded to their survey. It found…
- Two thirds were concerned about the impact of Brexit on Jersey. Those residents born in the EU were most likely to be concerned (83%), but a majority (61%) of those born in Jersey were also concerned.
- The main concerns regarding Brexit related to higher costs to islanders following Brexit. Other concerns related to the impact on Jersey’s economy, some of its specific industries and its workforce.
- The greatest opportunity presented by Brexit was Jersey having more control over immigration and the size of its population, followed by opportunities to develop new relationships and trade outside of the EU.
- A majority of residents considered it important for EU nationals to be able to move to Jersey to live and work, as long as they followed Jersey’s system of housing and employment licensing. Two thirds felt that this was important to Jersey’s economy, while half felt that this was of social and cultural importance to the Island.
The hearing takes place in the Blampied Room in the Royal Court building this morning (Monday) starting 10.30am.
