Jersey politicians vote to cut the length of speeches

Members voted to limit speeches to 15 minutes

Jersey politicians have narrowly agreed to limit the length of their speeches in the States Chamber.

After a debate taking more than two hours, members voted 23 in favour to 22 against and one abstaining.

Members rejected a plan to set time limits of 30 minutes on opening speeches and responses of 15 minutes.

The committee responsible for States procedures will need to bring a more detailed proposition for members to vote on in the future.

During the debate, Senator Ben Shenton reminded members that long speeches cost the public money.

He said: "With regards to cost, the actual cost of sitting in this chamber works out at £1,800 per hour.

"A three-hour speech will cost about £6,000 to the taxpayer and questions cost around £200,000 as we go on a written question.

"I know many members don't think there is a cost to democracy but there is a cost and it is a substantial cost."