Jersey in 2025: Some Notable Events

Jersey’s headlines in 2025 moved from winter health and housing reforms to spring civic commemorations, summer community debates, and autumn justice and policy updates. Below is a month‑by‑month timeline of the island’s stories.

 
January

• Islanders discussed rising UK “super flu” cases and whether they might spread to the Channel Islands.
• Early debates on housing affordability and accessibility reforms began to surface.

In the States:

• Registration of Political Groups: Proposal to formalize political group structures in the Assembly statesassembly.je.
• Housing Eligibility: Debates on lowering the age threshold for social housing access.

February

• Government consultations on education and childcare funding gained traction.
• Parish communities highlighted mental health initiatives during Lent.

In the States:

• Future Approach to Personal Cannabis Use: Scheduled for debate in early February 2026, but lodged in December 2025 statesassembly.je.
• Draft Food (Jersey) Commencement Act: Environmental and health implications discussed statesassembly.je.

March

• Local parishes prepared for Easter celebrations with renewed emphasis on communal support 

In the States:

• Civic accessibility in the States Chamber was debated, with campaigners pressing for upgrades.
• Education Funding: Early debates on expanding childcare support

April

• Preparations for Liberation Day commemorations dominated headlines.
• Housing eligibility reforms were announced, lowering the age threshold for social housing

In the States:

• Government Plan 2026–2029: Initial amendments proposed, including budget allocations and social priorities statesassembly.je.
• Liberation Day Preparations: Cultural and commemorative funding debated.

May

 

• Liberation Day 80th anniversary: Jersey marked the end of German Occupation with parades, memorial services, and re‑enactments of the arrival of liberating troops.
• Princess Anne visited Guernsey; Jersey hosted its own ceremonies in Liberation Square.

In the States:

• Tourism and Heritage Promotion: Debates on funding for cultural events and visitor engagement.
• Environmental Preservation: Coastal protection and sustainability measures discussed.

June

• Community debates on childcare funding continued, with rollout plans for 2–3 year‑olds.
• Summer tourism campaigns launched, highlighting Jersey’s heritage.

In the States:

• Childcare Funding Scheme: Formal debate on support for 2–3 year-olds.
• Digital Infrastructure: Proposals for improving public access to government services.

July

• Environmental concerns and coastal preservation projects featured in local news.
• Parish feasts and cultural festivals drew attention to community resilience.
• Blue Islands: Continued operating, but financial concerns were mounting behind the scenes.
• Philip Ozouf: No formal disciplinary action yet, though public complaints and motoring offences were accumulating.
• New Hospital: Planning and design work continued quietly, with public updates expected later in the year.

In the States:

• Mental Health Services: Summer session focused on expanding support and access.
• Parish Technology Support: Debates on funding local tech troubleshooting and education.

August

• Education reforms and back‑to‑school funding stories dominated.
• Local sports and summer events highlighted island pride

In the States:

• 20 August: Proposition P.64/2025 lodged by the Privileges and Procedures Committee to suspend Deputy Ozouf for 28 days due to breaches of the Code of Conduct statesassembly.je. The suspension followed his court appearance for motoring offences and failure to attend parish hall enquiries Channel 103.
  

September

• Civic debates on accessibility and fairness in government procedures resurfaced.
• Parish technology troubleshooting guides were shared to support local helpers.

In the States:

• Civic Accessibility: Follow-up debates on procedural fairness and physical access in government spaces.
• Justice System Oversight: Review of sentencing practices and rehabilitation programs.
• Philip Ozouf: 9 September: States Assembly voted to suspend him for 28 days without pay. 29 Members voted in favour, 17 against, 3 abstained Jersey Evening Post Channel 103. He was required to leave the Chamber immediately.

October

• Seasonal health warnings issued, including flu preparedness.
• Community reflections on remembrance and heritage ahead of Armistice commemorations.
• Blue Islands: Financial instability worsened. Behind-the-scenes discussions began about government support and contingency planning. Ministers debated whether to continue funding or seek alternatives.

In the States:

• Flu Preparedness and Public Health: Debates on readiness and vaccine distribution.
• Housing Policy Review: Continued scrutiny of affordability and eligibility.

November

• Government updates on housing and childcare schemes.
• Parish and civic groups prepared for Advent with renewed focus on wellbeing.
• Blue Islands: 17 November: Blue Islands ceased operations and entered liquidation after 26 years of service Government of Jersey. 25 November: Treasury Minister Elaine Millar made a formal statement to the States Assembly, expressing regret and outlining the decision to end further funding Government of Jersey. Government chose not to continue financial support due to high risk and lack of long-term viability lyndonfarnham.je. A new provider was secured to maintain air connectivity Jersey Evening Post.
  
• 25 November: Hospital - Three major milestones announced: (1) Planning permit received (2) Preferred tenderer selected (Bouygues UK) (3) Local contractor appointed for development works Government of Jersey Jersey Evening Post. Health Minister Tom Binet confirmed the project was further along than ever before Jersey Evening Post.

In the States:

• Budget Finalization: Amendments to the Draft Finance (2026 Budget) Law statesassembly.je.
• Social Policy Updates: Final debates on childcare and housing reforms.

December

• A man from Dumfries sentenced to nearly seven years for importing cocaine into Jersey
• Mental health support services promoted for islanders during Christmas
• Childcare Funding Scheme for 2–3 year‑olds formally announced
• Social housing age threshold reduced, widening eligibility
• Scrutiny panel questioned ministers and officials about the decision-making process and funding strategy Jersey Evening Post. Public concern focused on connectivity and job losses.
  
• New Hospital: Continued development and site preparation at Overdale. Government emphasized patient-focused design and improved care delivery Official Government of Jersey Blog.
  

In the States:

• Cannabis Policy Lodged: Future debate scheduled for February 2026 statesassembly.je.
• Political Group Registration Lodged: Debate scheduled for January 2026 statesassembly.je.
• Food Safety Legislation Lodged: Environmental and consumer protection measures statesassembly.je.

Honours

In the 2026 New Year Honours list, five Jersey residents were recognised by King Charles III for their contributions to policing, the judiciary, community service, and cultural life.

1. Gordon Burgis will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to Jersey’s Sailing Community.
2. Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey from the States of Jersey Police will become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Island Policing.
3. Nick Kershaw has been awarded an MBE for services as Chair to Every Child Our Future and Co-chair of the Jersey Community Foundation.
4. Solange Rebours will be awarded an MBE for services for services to Girlguiding in Jersey.
5. Advocate Cyril Whelan will become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Jersey’s Judiciary.