Yesterday the External Relations Department published the results of its Brexit Residents’ Survey, which revealed that 83 per cent of Jersey residents from the EU or EEA [which includes EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein] are ‘concerned’ about the impact the UK’s decision to leave Europe will have on the Island.
The survey, which had 800 respondents and was part of the ‘Let’s Talk Brexit’ public engagement campaign, also found that 61 per cent of locally-born Islanders are worried about Brexit.
The report says: ‘Overall two thirds of those surveyed were concerned to some extent with regard to the impact of Brexit on Jersey.
‘Those residents born in the EU or EEA were most likely to be concerned (83 per cent), but a majority (61 per cent) of those born in Jersey were also concerned.
‘Fifteen per cent felt that there had been an increase in the level of xenophobia in Jersey since the Brexit referendum, compared to two per cent who felt it had decreased. Those born in the EU or EEA were most likely to have noticed an increase (27 per cent).’
External Relations Minister Sir Philip Bailhache, said: ‘As the Brexit negotiations progress, the government of Jersey will continue to engage Islanders through Let’s Talk Brexit. Alongside the publication of the report, we will be producing an accessible online presentation and sharing the results across social media platforms.
‘Drawing on public feedback we will also be producing a regular electronic newsletter – ensuring that Islanders are provided with the timeliest and most relevant Brexit information.’
