Liberation Day could become Jersey's national day

A total of 2,007 out of 2,466 people voted in favour of marking Liberation Day as the national day

Liberation Day could be recognised as Jersey's National Day if politicians approve.

A proposition asked the States to decide if the annual celebration, which marks the end of the occupation of the island by Nazi Germany during World War Two, should be officially marked as a national day.

The minister for international development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said the recommendation followed consultation by the Island Identity project and conducted a survey which received more than 2,400 responses.

Jersey will be celebrating the 80th Liberation Day on Friday 9 May this year with a two-day concert and sporting events.

A total of 2,007 voted in favour of Liberation Day becoming the official national day.

Ms Labey said: "Formalising Liberation Day would preserve its significance for future generations and signal its importance to those outside of Jersey.

"The need to assert Jersey's distinct identity has never been more important."

'Need for Jersey anthem'

In the proposition, it said the Island Identity Panel had explored the need for Jersey to have its own island anthem distinct from the British God Save the King.

It said: "There is a need for a Jersey anthem to be used at sporting and cultural events where Jersey is represented independently.

"On occasion, embarrassment has been caused when our athletes win medals and stand proudly on the podium, with no one knowing what should be played to recognise their achievement on behalf of their island."

The song Beautiful Jersey was suggested due to its "cultural prominence".

Results found 50% of respondents supported the idea.

Ms Labey said until a formal choice had been made, sports clubs would be advised to use a chorus of the song to represent the island whenever it was needed.

The earliest the assembly can debate the propositions will be 18 March.