MAJOR increases in the UK defence budget are not likely to have any impact on the annual contribution made by Jersey, ministers have indicated.
The Island has made a voluntary contribution every year to cover the cost of the Jersey Field Squadron. This arrangement for reservists who could potentially be called up by the British Army has been in place since 1981, with the annual figure increasing to £1.5 million in recent years.
With UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer having announced a rise in the UK defence budget from 2.3% of GDP currently to 2.6% by 2028, the question of Jersey’s arrangement with Westminster was raised during a press conference coinciding with a visit to the Island by the UK minister responsible for the Crown Dependencies.
Making his first trip to Jersey since being appointed in the wake of the UK election last July, Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede held discussions with counterparts, including External Relations Minister Ian Gorst.
Both Deputy Gorst and Lord Ponsonby said the defence budget was not part of the agenda for the 36-hour visit.
Deputy Gorst said: “We make a contribution to the reservist unit and we know that those individuals can be called up to serve alongside British [troops] – we aren’t aware of any call for any further contribution.”
Post-Brexit relations between the UK and the EU, Jersey’s role as an international finance centre and the Island’s constitutional relationship with the UK were among the main areas of focus.
Lord Ponsonby said: “Jersey is self-governing, and very clearly keen for that to continue. But the issues which are of concern to us are finance-related – how issues like beneficial ownership and transparency are being addressed.
“There’s a contrast between being a long-standing international finance centre, and at the same time, relatively small population with much more localised issues – it’s an interesting dynamic.”
Deputy Gorst said he was encouraged by recent moves from Westminster aimed at resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU and the likely benefits to Jersey which might result.
These included youth mobility, with the prospect of allowing young citizens being able to work across the continent, and a proposed new veterinary arrangement.
Lord Ponsonby, who has been a member of the House of Lords since 1990, also visited Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey Archive and HM Prison La Moye during the course of his visit.
