Deputies Martin Storey, left, and John Gollop arriving at Beau Sejour for yesterday’s briefing on what is happening with the island’s corporate tax regime. Deputy Gollop was one of many complaining of being sidelined. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0856542)

DEPUTIES demanded an emergency States debate yesterday at the chief minister’s briefing on the fall of Guernsey’s zero-10 tax regime.

But their calls apparently fell on deaf ears.

Almost all appeared to think moving away from zero-10 was the right way to go after EU states decided it was contrary to the spirit of their code of conduct – and many saw that as an opportunity.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott is to speak to Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms today to give an indication as to whether Guernsey is likely to move away from zero-10.

Deputy John Gollop explained that there had been a show of hands taken to indicate how many felt an emergency Billet should be issued immediately, so that the States could meet officially and debate what to do.

‘More than half raised their hands,’ he said. ‘But this was ignored because the chief minister said some members had left early.’

Many also said they learned about the situation from the Guernsey Press and questioned why they had not been informed earlier.

‘I heard about it from the Guernsey Press before I heard about it through the government and would rather it was the other way round,’ said Deputy Sam Maindonald.

Deputy Gollop was also critical of the way the situation had been handled.

‘It was horrendous,’ he said. ‘So much annoyed me about this meeting – there was a strong feeling that we were being told to roll over and have our tummy tickled.’