The U.K. Minister with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies completed a visit to Jersey yesterday, after being appointed to the role on 20 September.
Minister Mike Freer MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, was greeted by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor after arriving in the Island on Wednesdayafternoon, before making a courtesy call with the Bailiff and undertaking a tour of the Bailiff’s Chambers and Royal Court. The Minister then met with Government of Jersey Ministers at Broad Street, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister for External Relations, where they discussed priorities of the new Jersey government; the value of the Jersey-U.K. relationship; international trade, and fisheries.
Yesterday, Minister Freer held discussions with Jersey Finance and Government of Jersey officials on financial services, regulation, and international sanctions. Minister Freer also undertook a tour of St. Helier harbour on the Norman Le Brocq vessel, followed by an on-site tour of Jersey Oyster, before returning to London.
Upon the conclusion of the visit, the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said:
“I was delighted to meet with Minister Freer during his time here in Jersey, and I hope he enjoyed this short introduction to our Island. We discussed several critical areas where ongoing cooperationremains in the interest of both Jersey and the United Kingdom.
“The U.K. is our largest partner for trade and business and remains the key travel link for Islanders. Strengthening and deepening these ties is important for the future of our economy, our businesses and industry, and our wider community. I look forward to welcoming Minister Freer back to Jersey in the future”.
The Minister for External Relations, Deputy Philip Ozouf, said:
“We have long enjoyed close relations with the government in Westminster, spearheaded through the Ministry of Justice. Whilst Jersey looks to carve its own international identity we will always look towards the U.K. as our strongest ally and supporter.
“In these times of great uncertainty, it is critical we remain close with our international partners, of which the United Kingdom is the most important. I look forward to working closely with Minister Freer and United Kingdom government colleagues in the months and years ahead”.
Government of Jersey News Release