But that might be about to change. Which is why a leading island figure is proposing the unthinkable - independence. Paul Kelso reports Spruce in the late August sun, the streets of St Helier, Jersey, reflect the island's happy combination of good beaches, fine weather and offshore tax-haven status. The lanes and alleys of Jersey's capital make an unlikely setting for a battle over national identity. But in this seemingly tranquil cross between Salcombe and the Square Mile, a row is brewing, one that threatens the island's economic and constitutional future.
Jersey is a UK dependent.
It has its own legislature, judiciary and currency, raises its own taxes and funds education, health, the police and all other services except defence. More than 90bn is held by banks and fund managers on Jersey, around 1bn of which goes in trade to the City of London every year. Earlier this week Paul Le Claire, a senator in the Jersey parliament, raised the prospect of the island declaring independence over EU proposals to change Jersey's tax status. According to Le Claire, a former Royal Marine, the island's future is under such serious threat that he is willing to set aside 896 years of history and sever ties with Britain. Not Gordon Brown.