Situated 100 miles south of the British coast, Jersey boasts a population of 87,000 and is one of the leading global offshore centres, where financial services make up 60 per cent of the local economy.

Jersey is not strictly part of the UK although it has been governed by the crown as a separate possession for the past 800 years, and all islanders are classed as British citizens. Its legal system is based on both English law and Norman customary law and is administered by the island’s Royal Court.

Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State and the UK represents the island in all foreign affairs including defence, but Jersey does retain autonomy on domestic issues, negotiating directly where foreign matters pertaining directly to the island are concerned. However, it is currently taking steps to become a full member of the Commonwealth within its own right.