Guernsey population debate delay move crushed

A debate on how Guernsey's population will be controlled is going ahead after a move to delay it was heavily beaten.

Deputies John Gollop and David de Lisle called for a year-long delay to allow further public consultation to be carried out.

They only convinced one member of the assembly to support them and lost the sursis [blocking motion] vote by 44-3.

The proposals suggest the introduction of a new regime to replace the existing housing laws.

People's right to return to the island after living elsewhere, the right to work in the island and introducing criminal checks for immigrants are all due to be discussed this week.

Besides the 45 proposed changes to the current laws put forward by the Policy Council, 19 amendments have been placed by other politicians.