Their response comes as the States Brexit team gears up for next week’s Ready for Brexit campaign, a series of events to engage with and inform Islanders on key issues relating to the UK’s departure from the EU.
Earlier this week, it was reported that supermarkets and farmers are concerned, particularly in a ‘no-deal’ scenario, that supply chains from the Continent to the UK, from which the vast majority of Jersey’s imported goods and produce are received, could be disrupted after Brexit Day on 29 March.
A States spokesman said that ‘contingency’ plans were in place to mitigate any ‘temporary disruption’ to supply lines to the Island.
‘The government of Jersey is working closely with key UK government departments to ensure that our “no deal” Brexit plans align and that we take into account potential disruption to UK supply chains that may affect Jersey,’ he said.
‘Preparations are being conducted on a joint Channel Island basis. Preparations cover a range of possible “no deal” situations including planning against the possibility of temporary reduction in choice of food and/or medical supplies.
‘The extensive, cross-government Brexit contingency planning which is under way is designed to mitigate against the likelihood and impacts of this scenario occurring.
‘Our ongoing engagement with the UK government, coupled with Jersey-specific and Channel Island contingency planning, places Jersey in a strong position to manage the future challenges of Brexit, whether resulting in a negotiated or “no deal” UK exit from the EU.’
The States are urging Islanders to attend the Ready for Brexit series of events, which starts on Monday 14 January, and have already had a high level of interest.
More than 95 per cent of tickets for the launch event on Monday morning, during which External Relations Minster Ian Gorst and Chief Minister John Le Fondré are due to outline Jersey’s plans for different Brexit scenarios, have already been taken.
Officials from the External Relations department are also due to provide an update on their work with the UK government, the Jersey-EU Settlement Scheme for EU nationals, and the legal and practical consequences for Islanders and their businesses, as part of a week-long series of events.
‘Ready for Brexit week will give Islanders an opportunity to find out about the government’s extensive ongoing preparations, so they are aware of the impact that Brexit may have on them and their families or colleagues,’ said Senator Gorst.
‘With a full programme of events, Islanders can understand all aspects of our Brexit plans, whether they are a business owner, resident or student. There is a significant amount of work being undertaken by the External Relations Global Markets Team, and we have collaborated with a number of partners to organise Ready for Brexit week.’
The full schedule of Ready for Brexit events and links to register to attend events can be found at gov.je and on social media. Anyone wishing to register their interest can email letstalkbrexit@gov.je.
Highlights of the Jersey Ready for Brexit week
Monday 14 January
9 am: Launch event (ticketed) at Celestial Hall, Royal Yacht
9 am to 7.30 pm: Public pop-up event – Jersey EU Settlement Scheme, passports and travel, at Lazy Jack Lounge, Royal Yacht
6 pm: Public Q&A (ticketed) with ministers and senior officials on Brexit preparations
Tuesday 15 January
9 am to 11 am: Public pop-up event – Jersey EU Settlement Scheme, passports and travel, at Elizabeth Harbour Ferry Terminal
1 pm to 4 pm: Public pop-up event – Jersey EU Settlement Scheme, passports and travel, at Elizabeth Harbour Ferry Terminal
Wednesday 16 January
8 am: Jersey Business seminar for import and export businesses at Rocco Tower Suite, Radisson Hotel
4 pm: Jersey Business seminar for other businesses at Rocco Tower Suite, Radisson Hotel
Thursday 17 January
Noon to 2 pm: Public pop-up events – impact of Brexit on Jersey students at Highlands College
Friday 18 January
9 am: Public presentation on the Opportunities for Brexit – Jersey’s growing global presence by Jersey Overseas Aid, Jersey Business and Jersey Finance at Rocco Tower Suite, Radisson Blu
2.30 pm: Public Scrutiny hearing with External Relations Minister Ian Gorst before the Brexit Scrutiny Panel in the States Building
