Brexit planning continues...

Monday 16 September 2019

As the UK Government continues to wrangle over Brexit, Guernsey's seems to be offering a calmer perspective on its own preparations.

With the release last week of the 'Operation Yellowhammer' documents, signalling some of the uncertainty which lies ahead if the UK leaves with out a deal, the States have reiterated that would also be bad news for Guernsey.

'Operation Yellowhammer' is the codename used by the UK Treasury for cross-government civil contingency planning for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

Locally, plans are being put in place for 'every eventuality' with measures being put in place to mitigate the effects of a 'no deal Brexit'.

The Policy and Resources Committee is leading the planning for Guernsey, with Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice-President of P&R meeting regularly with the States' Brexit Transition Group.

"The States of Guernsey maintains that a disorderly No Deal Brexit is not in our interests, but we continue planning for every eventuality," he said.

"The documents released by the UK Government last night do not present any surprises however they reaffirm the importance of our preparations which continue to be reviewed and updated. It should be noted that much of the commentary in the Yellowhammer documents relates specifically to the UK, and not to the Channel Islands. While reference is made to the possibility of disruption to the Islands’ supply chain, this risk is already well-known. Measures are being taken to mitigate this risk including close working with the regional authorities in Portsmouth as well as ferry and freight operators who are confident in their own contingencies.

"The States’ Brexit Transition Group is meeting regularly and remains confident the Island is as ready as possible should the UK leave the European Union without a deal. At the same time, the States of Guernsey remains in dialogue with senior UK government officials to ensure our interests continue to be represented at all levels."