Brexit threat to Island autonomy? – Jersey Evening Post

However, the Brexit Review Scrutiny Panel has recommended that the Island should continue to participate in the Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement, which was agreed on Christmas Eve, a few days before the end of the Brexit Transition Period on 31 December.

The States agreed to sign up to the deal, which allows tariff-free trade in goods to continue, on 27 December, subject to a 90-day period in which the Island could withdraw should it choose to.

A review was carried out by the panel to examine whether the Island should remain signed up to the TECA. Its report, published yesterday, supported continued participation but highlighted some concerns over the UK exercising greater control over the Islands borders.

The TECA recognises that the Crown Dependencies have separate competent authorities that are responsible for implementing customs or regulatory controls, it says. However, the UK will ultimately be responsible under the TECA which, in the absence of direct access, may impact on Jerseys autonomy.

The panel added that it must be ensured that the UK fully represents the Islands interests in international trade talks and the Island should have its own direct representation on specialised committees that will be set up to develop trade practices between the EU and UK.

A statement says: Although the panel received confirmation that the UK will respect Jerseys constitutional position in the TECA and work to strengthen new trading relationships, the review found that Jerseys participation in the agreement might be considered to impact on the Islands autonomy and ability to develop its international identity.

The panel believes increased engagement with the UK will be required to ensure full representation of the Islands interests, aided by the Government of Jerseys commitment to keep abreast of relevant developments.

The panel was chaired by Deputy David Johnson and included Deputies Inna Gardiner, Mike Higgins and Rob Ward, Constable Mike Jackson and Senator Kristina Moore.

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Brexit threat to Island autonomy? - Jersey Evening Post