Jersey's Council of Ministers will urge States Members to support the UK and EU's future trade deal.

The UK Government and EU announced a deal had been reached on Thursday afternoon.

Jersey's External Relations Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, says the deal will maintain the island's existing EU trading relationship as much as possible - allowing goods to be transferred to and from EU countries without any extra tariffs.

He adds that the agreement will provide clarity for the island's fishing industry.

As an independent jurisdiction, Jersey's States Assembly will vote on whether to back the Brexit deal. A proposition is due to be lodged on Sunday 27th December.

Senator Gorst says the island is in a good position when it comes to international trade:

"Over a number of years we have been forging our own international identity, one that is built upon stability; good governance; and bilateral and multilateral engagement.

"Participating in this agreement ensures that our interests and objectives are heard, understood and respected by our two most important international partners.

"It ensures we can obtain the benefits of any future arrangements, both between the UK and the EU but also as the UK seeks new agreements with countries around the world."

He goes on to say how States Members in both Jersey and Guernsey vote will shape the islands' futures:

"As self-governing parliamentary democracies, it is within our power to determine what is in the best interests of our Islands and our communities. And both Islands are in agreement that participation in this deal fulfils those best interests.

"In recent years we have strengthened our working relationships, and improved the cooperation between both of our jurisdictions.

"We again find ourselves in a shared position. In the coming weeks, months and years we will confront shared challenges and seize shared opportunities.

"There is now an even greater opportunity for inter-Island collaboration, which will strengthen our Channel Islands interest as we continue working cooperatively with the UK, the European Union and internationally."