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The States of Guernsey have backed plans to invest many millions of pounds in Alderney's airport and runway - but some politicians were denied the chance to speak in the debate.
Despite being one of the 'hot topics' of 2022 with a capital investment of £24million from Guernsey, the 'guillotine' was dropped during Friday afternoon's session of the States meeting.
The guillotine rule can be invoked by any member during a debate if they wish to curtail speeches and go straight to the closing remarks and vote.
Despite some deputies waiting to speak, the majority of members voted to end debate.
Deputies Steve Falla, Heidi Soulsby and Gavin St Pier were among those still to share their views.
I have just been denied the right to speak in the Alderney runway debate as a result of yet another 26:1 guillotine. My poor judgment for leaving it so late I suppose? I apologise to colleagues and stakeholders that I have not been able to explain the rationale behind my vote.
— Steve Falla (@steve_falla) December 16, 2022
Deputy Peter Roffey - as President of the States Trading Supervisory Board - led debate on proposals to adopt plans known as 'Option C+' for the "restoration of the existing pavement surfaces of the runway, including its re-widening and extension, and the redevelopment of the terminal building and other building alterations to secure improvements to enhance service provision".
Deputy Roffey - supported by both Alderney Representatives - argued that this was the best value for money option and it would also strengthen Alderney's wider economy.
The plans were amended at various states including inserting an agreement to "direct (Guernsey's) Policy & Resources Committee to seek to renegotiate the current Alderney Public Service Obligation contract with Aurigny with a view to reducing the current level of subsidy payable under the contract by the States of Guernsey with effect from 1st January 2024."
It was also agreed that the amount of money which Guernsey spends on the PSO will be limited to 50% (in real terms) of the funding being provided under the current contract with Aurigny. if the work described in Option C+ is completed.
Pictured: Option C+ will see Guernsey spend £24m on Alderney's airport and runway while Alderney committed previously to contributing £3.5m towards the project.
Vice-president of the STSB, Deputy Charles Parkinson said the Alderney proposals represented the best value for money for Guernsey's taxpayers.
It will see a new terminal building with a capacity of 150 people, and a new airport fire station built as well as a longer runway which would enable Aurigny's ATRs to land in Alderney.
Deputy Yvonne Burford continued to vote against investing in Alderney's runway beyond essential repairs and resurfacing, having been defeated in her attempts to delay work to extend Alderney's runway until after a decision had been made on Guernsey's.
The Committee for Economic Development will now continue to look at that with a report due to be published next year on the merits of an extension.
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