Jersey's relationship with the UK and EU
Jersey has been a Crown dependency since 1204 when King John lost Normandy, but Jersey and the Channel Islands stayed loyal to the English monarchy. Today, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey is the personal representative of Her Majesty the Queen.
What is Jersey's relationship with the United Kingdom?
Jersey’s status as a Crown dependency gives the Island constitutional rights of self-government and judicial independence. Jersey has a considerable measure of autonomy within its constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) although it is not independent of the UK.
In practice, responsibility for the Island’s international representation rests largely with the UK government. However, the UK always consults Jersey on its obligations in international law and other international agreements. Jersey is included in many of the important international conventions to which the UK is a party, including human rights legislation and international sanctions.
In May 2007 the Chief Minister signed the International Identity Framework Document with the UK Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs. This framework is intended to clarify the constitutional relationship between the UK and Jersey, and to assist in the development of Jersey’s international status and identity.
Download framework for developing the international identity of Jersey (size 46kb)
Jersey and the European Union
Jersey also has a special relationship with the European Union (EU). In simple terms, the Island is treated as part of the European Community for the purposes of free trade in goods, but otherwise is not a part of the EU.
International finance
The Island’s status as a respected international finance centre is well known throughout the world. Jersey has led the way in conforming with international standards at the highest level, for example in supporting multi-national initiatives to regulate financial services business and the prevention of international criminal activities.
