Brexit Information Report: July 2017 Update

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 17 July 2017:

MINISTERIAL DECISION REFERENCE: MD-ER-2017-0026
DECISION SUMMARY TITLE: Report and Proposition on the steps taken by the Government of Jersey before Notification by the Government of the United Kingdom under Article 50 of the UK’s intention to withdraw from the EU
DECISION SUMMARY AUTHOR:	Director, External Relations	IS THE DECISION SUMMARY PUBLIC OR EXEMPT? (if exempt state clause from Code of Practice booklet and from 1st January 2015 stating the relevant article/paragraph of the Freedom of Information Law/Regulations)		Public
REPORT TITLE: Brexit Update: Report to the States Assembly on the steps taken by the Government of Jersey since its last report on Brexit and the notification by the Government of the United Kingdom under Article 50 of the UK’s intention to withdraw from the EU
REPORT AUTHOR OR NAME OF PERSON GIVING REPORT: (if different from Decision Summary Author)	N/A	IS THE REPORT PUBLIC OR EXEMPT? (if exempt state clause from Code of Practice booklet and from 1st January 2015 stating the relevant article/paragraph of the Freedom of Information Law/Regulations)		Public
DECISION AND REASON FOR THE DECISION: The Minister approved the report for presentation to the States for their information. Jersey citizens will be affected by the UK’s decision to withdraw from the European Union; the Minister for External Relations has undertaken to keep the States Assembly informed about the preparations that are being made within Government for Brexit. Accordingly, the Minister for External Relations is inviting the Members of the States Assembly to note the Report.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial or manpower implications as a result of this decision.
ACTION REQUIRED: The Minister for External Relations is invited to sign this Ministerial Decision confirming his approval of the Report, and his request for it to be presented, and the Director, External Relations to send the Report and Proposition to the Greffier of the States, requesting that it be presented to the States for their information.
SIGNATURE: SENATOR SIR PHILIP BAILHACHE			POSITION: MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

DATE SIGNED			EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE DECISION