Brexit: 'Nothing will change today,' says minister

NOTHING will change when the UK legally leaves the EU today, the External Relations Minister has said.

With an agreed transition period in place, which will last until 31 December 2020, the status quo will continue while the EU and UK thrash out a new trade deal, Senator Ian Gorst has said.

There will be no changes to trade in goods, passports, students attending EU universities, Jersey people living in EU countries, travelling to EU countries, taking vehicles into EU countries or pet travel into EU countries during the period.

‘The Government of Jersey has been working since the announcement of the UK referendum in 2016 to ensure Jersey is prepared for Brexit, whether the UK leaves with or without a deal,’ said Senator Gorst.

‘Now that the UK is leaving the EU with a transition period in place, Islanders will not see any changes in their ability to travel to, or trade with, the EU.

‘The status quo will continue until 31 December 2020, by which time a new relationship between the UK and EU should be in place.’

He added: ‘My team is still working to ensure that Jersey’s interests are represented as the UK government negotiates its future relationship with the EU.

‘The Brexit Unit will focus on international trade, building on our Brexit and global markets objectives, and promoting and protecting Jersey’s international identity and reputation.

‘Any changes that impact on Islanders at the end of the transition period will only become evident once the UK and EU have reached agreement on their future relationship. Their negotiations start in earnest on 1 February.’