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2015.06.02
4.1 Connétable C.H. Taylor of St. John of the Chief Minister regarding the United Kingdom referendum on membership of the European union:
Could the Chief Minister confirm what, if any, consideration has been given to ascertaining whether Jersey citizens will be able to vote in the forthcoming referendum in the United Kingdom on membership of the European Union?
Senator I.J. Gorst (The Chief Minister):
Yes, consideration has been given to this issue; however, although our interests are clearly affected by the outcome of the referendum, I do not believe it is constitutionally appropriate for Jersey as a jurisdiction to take part in the forthcoming United Kingdom referendum on their membership of the E.U. (European Union).
- The Connétable of St. John :
Has the Chief Minister liaised with other Crown Dependencies and are we unified in our approach to this question?
Senator I.J. Gorst :
I am informed that we are.
- Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier :
Given the Chief Minister's answer in which he accepts that this is something important for the Island, does the Chief Minister consider that there is a democratic deficit with regards to Islanders' relationship with the E.U. and would he think that it would be appropriate to look at changing that constitutional relationship in future?
Senator I.J. Gorst :
I do not see the democratic deficit with regard to our relationship to the E.U. It is the current Government's policy not to seek to change our relationship either with the United Kingdom or with the E.U. Our relationship with the E.U. is governed by Protocol 3 but of course we put a lot of work into our relationship more broadly with the E.U. where they treat us as third countries and we have to show equivalence for all sorts of pieces of directive and legislation. We are not members of the E.U., unlike Gibraltar who will be taking part in the referendum because they are members of the E.U. There would be a democratic deficit if we were to vote on whether the U.K. (United Kingdom), who are members of the E.U. when we are not, telling them what they should do.