JERSEY ministers were in Downing Street last night as the UK and European Union agreed a major overhaul of their post-Brexit relationship.
Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham and External Relations Minister Deputy Ian Gorst joined UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, senior UK ministers, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders at a summit aimed at resetting ties between Britain and the EU.
It followed negotiations covering areas including trade, security, agriculture, and international cooperation.
A key part of the deal involved giving European fishing boats a further 12 years of access to British waters in exchange for a reduction of paperwork and checks on UK exports of animal products at EU borders.
It also addressed deals on youth mobility, defence and security, and allowing British travellers to use e-gates in European airports.
A spokesperson said Jersey’s government has been pushing to ensure the Island’s specific interests are considered, particularly when it comes to agricultural exports to the EU and the protection of its territorial waters.
Deputy Farnham said: “We have worked closely with the UK Government for many months to ensure Jersey’s interests are properly reflected in UK-EU discussions. We hope to reaffirm our priorities at the highest level.
“Detail surrounding agricultural trade and youth mobility with our European neighbours will be of particular interest to us, and we will continue to input into those discussions in the coming weeks.
“We also welcome the UK-EU commitment to greater defence and security cooperation.”
Deputy Gorst added: “This event is an important opportunity to ensure Jersey’s voice is heard by the UK Government and the European Union as they discuss their relationship.
“There are a number of areas within the ‘UK-EU reset’ where Jersey has clear interests, and we are keen to achieve outcomes that will shape a positive future for Islanders.”
