Guernsey States plan "multiple Brexit scenarios"

Wednesday 25 July 2018

All scenarios for Brexit are being planned for by Guernsey’s States as the national situation grows less clear by the week.

Last week UK media reported Prime Minister Theresa May was to put the country on a no-deal Brexit footing, as she prepares a series of public warnings about the impact of leaving the European Union without agreement – amid fears this is an increasingly plausible scenario. On Monday online retail giant Amazon said it feared civil unrest in the event of a no-deal Brexit unfolding.

UK consumers and companies will be given detailed advice in weekly “bundles” on how to prepare for a “disorderly Brexit”. 

A Policy and Resources spokesman said a wide range of contingencies was also being planned for here.

“An orderly Brexit for the UK is also in Guernsey’s interest.  Throughout the Brexit process the States has been working closely with the UK Government and has been planning for all eventualities.  These plans will take into account the operation of our borders and the impact on the supply chains used by the local economy, by consumers as well as for the provision of public services.”

The head of the UK’s civil servant, John Manzoni, also told MPs last week that a no-deal Brexit would be “almost unimaginable” and have “horrendous consequences”.