Final legal changes made in preparation for Brexit

The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, has made Commencement Orders that will bring into force, at 11p.m on 31st December 2020, the final Laws and Regulations required to ensure that Jersey is prepared for the end of the UK’s transition out of European Union membership and into a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement. 

The Commencement Orders officially repeal the European Union (Jersey) Law 1973 and European Economic Area (Jersey) Law 1995, two pieces of legislation that have shaped Jersey’s economic relationship with the European Union (and formerly the European Economic Community) over the past 48 years, and give effect to the new Trade and Co-operation Agreement. 

Senator Gorst commented:

“Today, I have made two Orders that complete the final necessary legislative changes in preparation for the end of the Transition Period. This brings to a close the legal relationship that Jersey has enjoyed with the EEC, and then the European Union, since 1973. 

“We now have a new relationship, through the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which we are ready to implement and operate successfully.

“In addition, Jersey will continue to engage with the EU institutions and Member States on a range of important issues in line with our good neighbour policy.

“I would like to thank my Ministerial colleagues and our officials from across the Government for their determination and professionalism throughout the last four years. We have ensured we are in the best position possible as the Transition Period comes to an end and these new arrangements take their place from 1 January." 

Photo: Senator Ian Gorst signs with David Walwyn, Chief Negotiator looking on.