Reassurance Over UK Brexit Vote

Islanders are being reassured Jersey's government is ready for all possible outcomes after UK MPs overwhelmingly rejected the Primes Minister's Brexit deal.

Theresa May's Brexit EU withdrawal deal was rejected by a majority of 230.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announced a motion of no confidence in the Government.  That vote will take place today.

The result of last night's vote currently means the UK leaving the European Union without a deal.

The Prime Minister has three days to present an alternative proposal to Parliament, with the clock ticking until the 29th March.

Jersey's External Relations Minister Senator Ian Gorst has given his reaction to the historic Commons vote in an online video.

In it, he tells islanders out government is prepared for all scenarios, including a no deal Brexit.

"All government departments have prepared individual Brexit readiness plans, setting out their objectives in the event of a no-deal, risks and mitigations and resource requirements.  The key risks we are considering include supply chain disruption and impacts on our critical national infrastructure."

"I want to reassure you, that whatever new proposals are brought, and whatever form Brexit finally takes, we will continue to ensure that the interests of Jersey are communicated to the UK government and taken into account and that Jersey will continue to be a place where business and residents can remain confident in their future."
 
A week of public events is continuing, with workshops and seminars explains how the island is preparing for Brexit.

Today a 'no-deal' simulated scenario is taking place at Mount Bingham where government officials will test their planning assumptions in a table-top exercise.