GST: The last stand

Thirty protesters were in the Royal Square as States Members arrived to debate the proposition to delay the 3% tax pending independent reviews of States finances and alternative taxes. In a fortnight, Members will debate the proposal to exempt food, books, newspapers and magazines put by Health Minister Ben Shenton. If both fail, the States will levy the 3% tax on almost everything from 1 May. Last night a meeting of around 50 people at the Town Hall unanimously supported the deferral proposition of St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, which is backed by a petition signed by 19,000 people.