Nothing will change on Brexit Day, Chief Minister Howard Quayle has assured island residents.

Mr Quayle was commenting ahead of the UK’s official withdrawal from the European Union at 11pm on Friday (January 31).

The Chief Minister said: ’Things will stay as they are now with no real impact on Brexit Day at least until the end of the implementation period at the end of December 2020.

’I know this is not going to be the end of the Brexit challenge but the beginning of the next challenge.

’A lot of work needs to be done. We will be working flat out.’

Mr Quayle said to meet Boris Johnson’s December deadline for the transition period there will have to be significant progress by June/July to avoid a further extension.

He predicted ’incredible’ statements would be made by both sides as talks over a trade deal intensify.

He said there will be a clearer idea by July on the way forward and whether or not there will be negotiated trade deal between the UK and the EU.