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Time’s up - attempt made to impose 15 minute limit on speeches in the States

Time’s up - attempt made to impose 15 minute limit on speeches in the States

Monday 09 December 2024

Time’s up - attempt made to impose 15 minute limit on speeches in the States

Monday 09 December 2024


A move to end repetition and deviation during States debates by imposing a time limit on speeches will be attempted.

Deputy Steve Falla will lead an amendment which if successful would bring in a 15 minute limit for the majority of speeches.

"The amendment closely resembles the position adopted by Jersey in 2019," he said.

"I had considered opting for an even shorter limit on general speeches, of perhaps 10 minutes, but at this point I felt it prudent to propose 15 minutes which is tried and tested in the Jersey States.

"The intention is to try and impose more discipline on speeches in debate. My view is that many matters are overspoken with a good deal of repetition and deviation thrown into the mix, especially considering perceived wisdom on how long human beings can concentrate on a presentation."

He stressed it was intended to be a limit, definitely not a target.

"There is already a prominent digital clock in the Chamber which is used to time questions and answers, for example, and it should be possible to find a method of timing speeches. There would be 'injury time' for interruptions."

The amendment will be laid to a report by the States Assembly and Constitution on changing some of the rules that govern how debates are run.

Other bids to change how proceedings are run include Deputy Lester Queripel's amendment so that if a member wants to interject when someone else is speaking they would have to stand and then call "will the Member give way" and wait for a response.

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen wants to change the sitting times to include a 15 minute comfort break in the morning and afternoon sessions.

The lunch recess would be reduced from two hours to one-and-a-half to compensate.

She also has another amendment aimed at improving the financial information provided when members bring amendments or requetes by encouraging them to consult with the relevant staff first.

The States meeting begins on Wednesday.

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