During this week’s session, Privileges and Procedures Committee chairman Deputy Russell Labey said that the physically distanced sittings at the leisure centre, which happened at the start of the lockdown, had several drawbacks.
More recently States sittings have been conducted ‘virtually’ over the internet, with Members participating via video link.
‘It is our opinion that it would not be a good idea to attempt another Fort-Regent-style meeting of the Assembly for three reasons,’ said Deputy Labey.
‘A – it’s an upheaval logistically, B – it’s expensive and C – it would inevitably mean at this stage that some Members would still not be able to attend for health and safety reasons.
‘I worry about going back to that system where we effectively create a two-tier system of States Membership in terms of those who can be in the room and those who can’t.’
He added: ‘The next time we meet in person should be in the Chamber and as to when that might occur, I don’t think it will be this side of the summer recess. But we will wait and see what the directives are.’
But Deputy Kirsten Morel said that he felt the States should meet in person again earlier than Deputy Labey suggested.
‘We still have two or three sittings left before the summer recess,’ he said.
‘So much of the democratic process is lost through these virtual sittings and increasingly technical problems are causing issues.’
His views were backed by Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, a member of the Privileges and Procedures Committee.
‘September is a long way away. I would ask that the chair calls a meeting of the PPC this week. I have to say that I agree with Deputy Morel,’ she said.
‘It’s not only the issues of IT not working for some of us, but also it might be good for States Members’ welfare to get together and meet.’
Deputy Labey said that he was keeping a ‘watching brief’ on the issue and would look into calling another meeting of the PPC to discuss the matter, if necessary.
