03 April 2009
Following representations made by our Chief Minister to Lord West of Spithead, the House of Lords have agreed to withdraw Clause 48 (previously clause 46) of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill.
Clause 48 would have enabled the UK government to introduce stringent border controls for people travelling from the Crown Dependencies, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to the UK mainland. This could have required travellers to prove their nationality to Immigration officials before being allowed to pass into the UK.
Jersey was alone amongst the Crown Dependencies in voicing concern on the proposal and the Chief Minister is delighted that his representation has been successful.
He said today, "We fully recognise the need to increase vigilance and security at UK borders but it is also important to protect the historic constitutional rights of Jersey residents to travel freely to and from the UK. I understand that this decision has to be considered by the House of Commons but I am hopeful that they will confirm the House of Lords determination".
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gov.je