The Island’s trade relationship with the EU has been discussed for several months as a template for a post-Brexit UK in both London and Brussels as negotiations progress over Britain’s departure from the bloc.
The so-called ‘Jersey model’ or ‘Jersey option’ is considered attractive by many because the Island is effectively within the Single Market for trade in goods but outside for services, while able to apply its own form of population controls.
Supporters of the Jersey model, which was proposed by the Centre for European Reform think-tank earlier this year, say that it would mean border checks would not need to be applied to the land border with Ireland – a key Brexit issue.
It has also been argued that it would allow the UK’s important financial services sector to trade globally independent of EU interference and regulation.
According to the Times newspaper, an official EU source has said that the Jersey model, which is similar to proposals already tabled by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, would be an option that Brussels would consider.
‘If May came with the Jersey model there would be a serious discussion among leaders for the first time,’ the source reportedly said.
It is understood that the EU would be prepared to abandon a previous ‘red line’ in negotiations and allow the UK to opt out of the Freedom of Movement policy, which allows unrestricted travel and living rights for EU citizens, while retaining membership of the Single Market.
In return the EU would like the UK to be bound to replicate all of its environmental, social and customs rules, which has been dubbed the Jersey model.
Such a move would prove unpopular with hard Brexiteers who favour the UK adopting a completely independent trade policy.
Speaking to the Daily Express, former Brexit minister David Jones said that the UK should not fall for accepting the Jersey option, which would ‘not be Brexit’.
‘The so-called “Jersey option” would leave us having to comply with EU standards, staying in the Customs Union and no doubt remaining subject to European Court of Justice jurisdiction,’ he said.
‘That wouldn’t be Brexit and wouldn’t be acceptable to voters. Far better to leave on World Trade Organisation terms and be an independent country again.’
