09/08/17

Brexit liaison MP makes his first visit to Island

THE MP liaising between the UK government and Jersey over Brexit made his first visit to the Island on Monday as part of his ongoing commitment to understanding the views of the Crown Dependencies, reports the Jersey Evening Post.

Robin Walker – who was a vocal ‘remain’ supporter in the lead-up to the Brexit referendum – has met the chief ministers of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man on three previous occasions, although never in Jersey.

On Monday, Mr Walker – the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union – again met Chief Minister Ian Gorst, as well as the Island’s ministers for External Relations, Home Affairs and the Environment.

States Members, including those on the newly formed Brexit Scrutiny Panel, also got the chance to meet him, as did members of the Island’s finance industry, at a special session hosted by Jersey Finance.

Mr Walker then visited Jersey Dairy for a tour of the processing facilities, where he was also given an overview of Jersey’s aims relating to Customs and trade, and agriculture and fisheries.

During the visit he was hosted at Government House by the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and attended a dinner organised by the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache.

Senator Gorst said he had been delighted to welcome the minister to Jersey. ‘Through all our engagement on Brexit he has shown a comprehensive understanding of the concerns of the Crown Dependencies and has reiterated the commitment of the UK government to ensuring our views are heard as negotiations progress,’ he said.

Mr Walker added: ‘I am committed to fully engaging with Jersey on our exit from the EU.

‘Ensuring our successful withdrawal from the European Union is a clear priority, which the UK government and the Crown Dependencies share.’