This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.
Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.451/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY S.Y. MÉZEC OF ST. HELIER SOUTH QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2023
Question
“Further to the publication of the “Jersey Unity Statement”, in which the Chief Minister called for a “pause in hostilities” in Gaza, in alignment with the UK Government’s position, will she provide details of all communications either she has had, or which Government officials have had, with the UK Government regarding this policy position, and will she state whether any consideration has been given to adopting the position of the United Nations General Assembly, in support of a ceasefire, rather than that of the UK?”
Answer
I am proud that Jersey has demonstrated its unwavering support for peace, humanity and restraint through our Unity Statement, which was signed by the Chief Minister on behalf of the Council of Ministers, the Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, the Dean, the Roman Catholic Dean, the Chair of the Methodist Channel Islands District, the President of the Jersey Jewish Congregation and the Leader of Jersey’s Muslim community. The Unity Statement was also endorsed by the Bailiff .
Whilst it is important for Jersey to continue acting in line with UK foreign policy, it is equally vital that the Island can express with our own voice the profound impact that such events have in a local context, and our shared desire for an urgent resolution to the violence and suffering occurring in the Middle East.
Recognising this, the Unity Statement has been shared with the UK Government for its awareness, and I look forward to further opportunities to engage with Ministerial counterparts to emphasise our support for a swift and lasting solution in line with UK policy. No communications beyond the position expressed in the Unity Statement have taken place.
Regarding the position of the United Nations General Assembly, it should be noted Jersey is represented at the United Nations by the UK, as the sovereign party under international law, and it would therefore be inappropriate for the Government of Jersey to comment upon resolutions made in that forum.
However, the publication of Jersey’s Unity Statement clearly ensures that the UK is aware of the Island’s support for peace, humanity and restraint in the Middle East, and our determination that the aggression and division seen in recent weeks will not spread to our own community.