Continuation of debate: Vote of no confidence
This morning’s session began with the closing speeches on Deputy Philip Bailhache’s proposition for a vote of no confidence (VONC) against the Chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Geoff Southern.
The States Assembly voted to approve Deputy Bailhache’s proposition, with 17 votes for, 15 votes against and14 abstentions.
Watch the beginning of this morning’s recording to watch the speeches and the vote.
Establishment of a Climate Council
Deputy Hilary Jeune, as Rapporteur for Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, proposed establishing an independent Climate Council of experts to report on Jersey’s progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
Deputy Tom Coles proposed an amendment to Deputy Renouf’s proposition, which would have shortened the length of time between Climate Council meetings from four years to two years. The States Assembly voted to reject Deputy Cole’s amendment, with 19 votes for and 27 votes against.
The States Assembly then voted to approve Deputy Renouf’s proposition, with 45 votes for and no votes against.
Draft Banking Business (Amendment No. 7 - Commencement) (Jersey) Act 202
Deputy Elaine Millar as Rapporteur for The Minister for External Relations, Deputy Philip Ozouf, proposed to amend the Banking Business Law 1991. This amendment is part of wider proposed regulatory changes concerning auditing and financial reporting requirements for Jersey banks.
The States Assembly voted to approve Deputy Philip Ozouf’s amendment, with 41 votes for and no votes against.
Trainee Minimum Wage
Deputy Max Andrews proposed that the trainee minimum wage rates should be integrated into a single minimum wage rate for all employees of school leaving age and above.
Deputy Andrews accepted an amendment proposed by the Minister for Social Security, Deputy Elaine Millar, allowing for flexibility to differentiate between a trainee rate and a main minimum wage rate in the future if needed.
The States Assembly voted to approve Deputy Max Andrew’s proposal, with 41 votes for and 7 votes against.
Deputy Sam Mézec proposed that the Bilateral Investment Treaty with the United Arab Emirates should only come into force after consideration by the Assembly, and that the Council of Ministers should work with Privileges and Procedures Committee to decide how such Treaties should be dealt with in future.
Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache proposed an amendment to Deputy Mézec‘s proposition, requesting that the Legislation Advisory Panel and Privileges and Procedures Committee should bring forward legislation requiring all Treaties to be ratified by the Assembly.
The Minister for External Relations and Financial Services Deputy Philip Ozouf proposed a second amendment to Deputy Mézec’s proposition, requesting that the Treaty is brought into force as soon as possible.
Deputy Mézec accepted both amendments.
The States Assembly then voted to approve both the first and second parts of Deputy Mézec’s proposition. The first part was approved with 30 votes for,15 votes against and 2 abstentions and the second part was approved with 47 votes for and 0 votes against.
Adjournment
Following the debate on the Bilateral Investment Treaty, the States Meeting adjourned. The States Assembly will reconvene for the next States Meeting on Tuesday 21 March 2023.
