WATCH: Minister flush-tered by 'political stink’

Thursday 05 November 2020

One States Member kicked up a different kind of political 'stink' yesterday as the Home Affairs Minister tried to present Brexit-related legislation.

While you'd have thought we’d all have learnt the perils of online meetings in the covid era by now, one politician only learnt of the dangers of an unmuted mic the hard way yesterday.

As Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman started introducing his proposal to align parts of the island's immigration system with the UK ahead of Brexit, a loud flush stopped him mid-sentence.

Constable Norman couldn't help but break into a smile as the States Greffier, Dr Mark Egan, commented: "We have a great interference on the line there, Constable, which I assume is-"

"A flush perhaps, Sir," the Constable interjected.

Video: The political stink. 

The Greffier went on to note that microphones should be muted, but one States Member chimed in, noting: "The Constable of St. Mary's microphone is unmuted, Sir." The Constable did not respond.

Later on Twitter, Senator Sam Mézec described the incident as "one of the most embarrassing things I've ever witnessed."

It's not the first time States Members have been caught out by the virtual meetings set-up via Microsoft Teams, which has earned the Assembly international recognition.

The States Assembly (our national parliament!) broadcasting the sound of a toilet flushing because a member didn’t turn their microphone off whilst tuning in virtually is one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever witnessed.

— Senator Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) November 4, 2020

In an early sitting, one States Member was heard yawning loudly in the background while another spoke.

During a 10-hour debate on whether the island's borders should be reopened to commercial travel, St. Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard failed to keep her frustrations hidden at the length of Deputy Montfort Tadier's speech.

“Could you just get on with it do you think, Monty, please? Could you just get on with it and get to the point?” she interrupted, to which Deputy Tadier responded that she should address him as 'Deputy Monty'.

Despite initially being flush-tered by the unexpected intervention yesterday, Constable Norman continued to present his proposition, which was eventually approved by States Members.

The States Assembly has voted to APPROVE the Minister for Home Affairs @len_norman’s proposal. https://t.co/YbUrVWJ3g6

— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) November 4, 2020

It means that anyone coming from the EU or elsewhere in the world to live and work in Jersey will from now on have to obtain a visa or work permit.

EU nationals who already live in Jersey and have Settled Status will have no issue in staying on the island.