Jersey Anthem and National Day consultation results

A consultation followed the recommendation made by the Island Identity Project, led by the Minister for International Development, to designate a National Day for Jersey. A National Day is a day which celebrates the nationhood of a state or its people and is often an official public holiday. Many countries have more than one National Day. Denmark and the United Kingdom are some of the only countries without an official National Day. 

The Island Identity Report Panel’s aims were that, whatever our background or occupation, we can benefit from a shared understanding of what it means to be Jersey. These gestures build a sense of identity which remind the world that British does not automatically mean English. The designation of a National Day aims to support a stronger sense of citizenship and belonging for everyone who lives in Jersey, particularly in light of the Island’s low rates of civic engagement reported by the OECD.

The public were given the opportunity to have their say on whether Liberation Day – or an alternative day – should be officially recognised as the Island’s National Day. The consultation, which took place from 18 November 2024 to 18 January 2025, asked the public whether Liberation Day or another day should be formally recognised as a National Day for Jersey. Alternative suggestions were prompted, with a list of alternative days set out in the original Island Identity Report. 

Overall, the consultation received 2,466 responses as of 18 January 2025. Liberation Day received overwhelming support with 2,007 respondents (82%) in favour of designating this date as Jersey’s official National Day.

A comprehensive breakdown of the survey results can be found on gov.je.