The topic was the contentious PEH field and after the amendment was passed more than ten deputies got up to leave the chamber as general debate began again.
Express has already covered the ‘en-masse’ walkout, but several deputies have since suggested that shorter lunches and more structured breaks could avoid future departures from the chamber.
“The morning and afternoon sessions are 3 hours long and the afternoon sessions can sometimes be extended,” said Deputy Nick Moakes.
“There is no break during this time, so I suspect that most people leave the chamber for a few minutes at some point. Calls of nature, a glass of water… Some people also leave to discuss a point raised in debate.
“Clearly, you cannot do that in the chamber because you might distract the person talking which would be discourteous. A shorter lunch break with comfort breaks in the morning and afternoon might help!”
Pictured: “Apparently 13 left at the same time [last] week but that was not planned as some people have suggested,” said Deputy Moakes.
“I cannot believe that anyone intended to upset or disrespect anyone, certainly not me. Once again, a shorter lunch break with comfort breaks in the morning and afternoon might reduce the number of people leaving the chamber during speeches,” concluded Deputy Moakes.
Deputy John Gollop echoed Deputy Moakes’ sentiment and said there should be a reasonable expectation that colleagues should stay in the chamber to listen to other’s speeches.
“The real issue is that the Presiding Officers should give us regular coffee and comfort breaks,” he said.
“It’s not really ok or acceptable for deputies to inappropriately charge out en-masse, but the lack of a structured break and no time limits for debates or speeches makes this inevitable.”
Pictured: Deputy Peter Roffey said he has no problem with colleagues leaving the chamber for “calls of nature”, but he has seen large groups leave all at one and said: “I regard them as both rude and childish.”
Deputy Adrian Gabriel said deputies should spend the majority of their time listening, in person, in the chamber.
“A valid reason for leaving could be related to either a medical condition or a short comfort break,” he said.
“Some members take advantage of the live radio broadcast from an annexe, but this doesn’t convey body language and intonation of speeches in debate which in most cases is vital.
“I have seen occasions when a significant number of deputies have left the chamber, on occasion leaving a quorate amount of us remaining. If this is a coincidence then it seems an unlikely one, and while not probably planned, a convenient excuse.
“I don’t believe that this is appropriate as members are representing the electorate and should be present for as much of the debate as possible. I would find it hard to have an objective view and make a clear judgment on my vote if I hadn’t attended the debate in full.”
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