In the UK it has been announced that the official Department for Exiting the European Union will cease to exist on 31 January, which will be Brexit Day following the approval of the government’s withdrawal bill last Friday.
In Jersey the Brexit Unit was established to prepare the Island for the implications of the UK breaking its ties with Brussels and to make sure its interests were properly represented.
Despite the recent departure of two officers, Neil Watt and Matt Wellman, from the unit, Senator Ian Gorst confirmed that its work would continue for the foreseeable future.
‘Both departures from the team arose as a result of their contracts ending and we wish them well for the future,’ he said.
‘The work of the Brexit Unit and External Relations as a whole will continue as we prepare Jersey for the new future relationship between the UK and EU.
‘Formal discussions on the future UK-EU partnership will start early next year and are likely to move at pace. This will be an area of significant importance to the economic interests of Jersey.
‘The Brexit team will continue to lead the cross-government programme necessary to ensure the interests of Jersey are effectively represented as the UK-EU negotiations progress.’
