Jersey’s External Relations Minister has given his response to the outcome of House of Commons votes on Brexit.

On Wednesday night MPs rejected leaving the EU without a deal at any time and under any circumstances.

The UK's due to withdraw from the EU two weeks tomorrow.

MPs will decide later whether to ask Brussels for a delay.

Senator Ian Gorst says he is ‘cautiously optimistic the UK will be able to reach an agreed position and achieve a negotiated exit'.

He says the island's government is closely watching events in Parliament and is ‘ready to scrutinise’ any plans to see how they might affect Jersey. 

"We will work quickly and effectively with our UK and Crown Dependencies colleagues to ensure our interests continue to be protected."

He says Jersey is prepared for all Brexit scenarios, including a no-deal exit - which remains the UK's legal default position if nothing else is agreed.