07 February 2017
States Members have taken part in the first of four workshops planned on Jersey’s preparations for Brexit.
The workshop, which focused on the implications and opportunities presented by Brexit for the Island’s agricultural and fisheries industries, was organised by the Department of the Environment, the Department for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture, and the Ministry of External Relations.
States Members were able to discuss the priorities for these industries and question Ministers and officials on the practical steps being taken to ensure that the interests of farmers and the fishing industry are protected.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, commented “We want to ensure that our main industries, including agriculture and fisheries, continue to thrive and are able to sell their products in the UK and the EU. Jersey has a strong and highly valued rural economy and we will work hard to ensure that its interests are protected and that any new opportunities are maximised.”
The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said “This is the first in a series of cross-departmental workshops to involve all States Members in the Brexit process. It is part of a wider engagement programme to ensure that all Islanders have the opportunity to input into the government’s Brexit preparations and planning.
"We will also be talking to members of the public, foreign nationals living in Jersey and businesses from all sectors.”
Further workshops for States Members on the Customs Union, Immigration, and Financial Services will take place in the coming months.
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