The Island of Jersey

The Channel Islands are a group of Islands situated 20km off the North Coast of France within one hour's flying time of both London and Paris. They comprise four principal islands of which Jersey and Guernsey are the most important. Jersey is approximately 115 sq kms and has a resident population in excess of 85,000.

The islands are possessions of the English Crown. Both the direct link with the Crown and the constitutional position have been reinforced by charters and the islands enjoy legislative autonomy in all matters, although the UK has accepted responsibility for foreign affairs and defence.

The government of the island is in the hands of The States of Jersey. The island is not represented directly in the UK parliament and the UK parliament will not legislate on matters of a purely local concern, including taxation.