Hypothetical Jersey independence (FOI)

Request

I wanted to see if the Government had any impact assessments, reports or plans relating to a hypothetical Jersey independence.

Response

The Government’s External Relations Common Policy confirms that “it is not Government Policy to seek independence from the United Kingdom, but rather to ensure that Jersey is prepared if it were in the best interests of Islanders to seek a change in Jersey’s existing status.”

The full policy can be viewed at the following link:

External Relations: Common Policy

In June 2008, the Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group was presented to States Members. The report was a contingency exercise and a technical assessment of the potential impact on Jersey if the Bailiwick were ever to seek independence. The report can be viewed at the following link:

Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group

The Second Interim Report is the closest document in existence which relates to the question. Some of the recommendations of the Constitution Review Group have been progressed since 2008 on the basis of making administrative improvements within the current constitutional structure.