On Wednesday night, MPs in Westminster voted against leaving the European Union without a deal. However, the default position remains that the UK will leave the EU on Friday 29 March, meaning the threat of a no-deal Brexit remains.
However, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ that the UK would reach an agreement acceptable to the House of Commons, and that Jersey would continue to thrive whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
He added that the States was prepared for no-deal and would continue to work with senior officials in Westminster, Guernsey and the Isle of Man to protect the Island’s interests.
Senator Gorst said: ‘We are watching events in parliament closely and are ready to scrutinise any alternative approaches that emerge to see how they might affect Jersey.
‘We will work quickly and effectively with our UK and Crown Dependency colleagues to ensure our interests continue to be protected.’
Senator Gorst added that the Island had been preparing for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit since the result of the 2016 referendum was announced.
He added: ‘We will keep engaging with businesses, the public and our own staff to ensure that Islanders understand the potential effects of a no-deal Brexit and how we intend to mitigate them.
‘The Government of Jersey is prepared for Brexit and I am confident Jersey will continue to be a place where businesses and residents can thrive and remain assured in their future.’
