Refugee options on table despite Jersey rejection

Jonathan Le Tocq was speaking after his Jersey counterpart, Senator Ian Gorst, yesterday ruled out taking in refugees from the wartorn Middle Eastern country because it would leave Jersey vulnerable to having to accept refugees from elsewhere as well.

Despite saying Guernsey was still looking at ways it could help the UK in relocating vulnerable Syrian people directly from the refugee camps neighbouring the country, Deputy Le Tocq said the Policy Council would look closely at Jersey's position when formulating a policy.

Up to 40 homes are reportedly willing to take in refugees.

'One of these options being looked at could include helping to resettle a proportionate number of refugees into Guernsey under the UK's Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme,' he said.

'In addition, former refugees that have been already resettled in the UK may wish to voluntarily relocate to Guernsey because it is part of the Common Travel Area.

'We are assessing whether there will be sufficient access to healthcare, welfare, security and employment opportunities on our island for refugees being resettled directly from camps near Syria.

'Any option that required any change to be taken forward will, of course, also need to be put before the States.

'We will be seriously considering Jersey's position when formulating our own policy.'

Senator Gorst told the Jersey States that over the last three months his government had been liaising with Home Office officials.