15 August 2017
The Government of Jersey welcome the ‘Future customs arrangements’ policy paper that has been published by the UK Government, setting out its overarching objectives in forming a new trading relationship with the EU post-Brexit.
Engaging the Crown Dependencies
In particular, we welcome the written commitment made by the UK Government to ensure that the Crown Dependencies are engaged with, and able to contribute to, the future of UK trade policy, inasmuch as the Islands are part of the EU Customs Union and will be directly affected by the changing relationship between the UK and the EU.
We are confident that our views are being taken into consideration on trade matters. The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, this afternoon spoke with Robin Walker MP, Minister at the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU). Government of Jersey officials have also spoken with colleagues at DExEU on the content of the policy paper.
Roundtable meetings on trade and the customs union (which is a priority workstream) continue between our officials, those of the Crown Dependencies, and representatives of various UK Departments, including HMRC, DExEU and the Department for International Trade (DIT).
Jersey priorities
It is our priority to achieve access to the EU goods markets, including for agriculture and fisheries products, on terms no less favourable than the United Kingdom’s, including during any transitional period. We will be consulting closely with local businesses and industry bodies on the proposals made within the policy paper and throughout the Brexit negotiation period to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for the Island.