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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY SENATOR S.C. FERGUSON
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 29th JANUARY 2013
Question
The Assistant Minister for External Affairs recently stated that it is better for Jersey if the UK remains within the European Union.
Would the Chief Minister please explain when this became part of Jersey's policy and what is the evidence for this statement?
Answer
Jersey's relationship with the European Union (EU) is covered by Protocol Three of the UK Act of Accession to the European Communities. If the UK were to leave the EU then Protocol Three would fall away. The Council of Ministers' Common Policy on External Relations, as reported to the States Assembly on 23 November 2012, does not include the desire to seek a renegotiation of Jersey's relationship with the EU, but that we will seek to be a good neighbour, on the basis of reciprocity, to both the UK and other European Member States, and also to ensure that the Island is prepared for external change. The Assistant Chief Minister's comments are consistent with this policy.
I have noted the speech made by the UK Prime Minister in London on 23 January stating his belief that Britain should want to remain in the EU and that Britain's national interest is best served in a flexible, adaptable and open EU.