Youth Parliament disappointed by ban from States Chamber – but politicians taking up their fight

Wednesday 20 January 2016

The Jersey Youth Parliament say that the decision to ban them from using the States Chamber for their meetings is “at worst contemptible to the Island’s young people” – but at least two politicians are taking up their fight and planning a States debate to overturn the decision.

The group – which gives young people a chance to get engaged with local politics – say that the decision by the Privileges and Procedures Committee has left them very disappointed.

And they say that the comments by Bailiff William Bailhache that allowing the young people to use the States Chamber would “diminish the standing of the States Chamber” are disheartening.

Yesterday, Bailiwick Express revealed that the committee had refused the request by the Jersey Youth Parliament to use the Chamber for four meetings per year, after taking advice from the Bailiff. And now the members of the group – including young campaigner Amy Vatcher – say that by reversing the decision the States can demonstrate that they care about young people and take a step to reverse political apathy in the Island.

They said: “The Jersey Youth Parliament is obviously very disappointed by this decision.

“We aim to promote youth interests and re-engage young people in politics. We aim to curb the growing apathy amongst our peers, many of whom feel let down by Jersey’s political system. 

“We were also disheartened to hear of how the Bailiff, William Bailhache, claimed the JYP would ‘diminish the standing of the States chamber’. Such an expression is at best unfair to the hard working and dedicated members of the JYP and at worst contemptible to the Island’s young people.

“We hope that the other States Members will have the courage and integrity to overturn this unfair decision and listen to Jersey's young people.

“We've already received words of support from several States Members and many of our fellow Islanders and we hope that the Privileges and Procedures Committee will overturn their decision.”

Their stance has been backed by political campaign group change.je, who have added their voice to the pressure on politicians to reverse the decision.

In a statement, one of the founder members of the group, James Rondel, said: “The decision made by the Privileges and Procedures Committee and the Bailiff is disappointing. Given that voter turnout has fallen to below 40% one would have assumed that those in charge would be looking at ways to increase political engagement, not stifle it.

“The arguments raised concerning the 'standing' of the Chamber sound similar to those raised in opposition to the enfranchisement of certain sections of society such as 16 and 17 year olds, and even women! Until our leaders start placing more faith in young people, the young cannot be blamed for disinterest and disillusionment.”

The move to stop the Jersey Youth Parliament, an independent group, from using the Chamber does not affect the separate Youth Assembly, who are still allowed to use the building for their meetings. The Youth Assembly’s annual meeting takes place on 15 March, and will be chaired by the president of the Privilege and Procedures Committee.