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 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.

However, the Channel Islands Brussels Office (CIBO) ensures that Jersey’s interests are promoted in Europe. As well as representing Jersey to EU institutions, CIBO also advises the States of Jersey on EU policy issues.

Channel Islands Brussels Office website

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.