More details revealed as non-ministerial politicians spend £35,000 on foreign trips

The costs include flights to Kenya, Ghana and Canada. Credit: ITV Channel

More than £35,000 was spent on non-ministerial politicians attending events off-island as part of Jersey's Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 2023.

The costs include visits to Kenya, Ghana and Canada.

The group's chair, Deputy Rob Ward, says these trips strengthen relationships abroad and offer local representatives the chance to discuss important issues with others from across the globe.

He adds: "It enables us to make valuable connections, builds communities and puts Jersey at the front and centre of this worldwide network.

"We can also make meaningful contributions by sharing our own experiences and in many instances, Jersey delegates have made presentations and led on discussions, demonstrating our small island's ability to punch above its weight."

ITV Channel first revealed details of these costs in February with a new government report now laying out more information.

Some of the key costs from 2023:

  • June - Deputies Carina Alves and Tom Coles spent a week in Canada for the Advanced Professional Development and Skills-Building Residency Programme with return flights costing more than £5,000.

  • September - Two ministers, Deputy Carolyn Labey and Helen Miles, and two non-ministers, Deputy Rob Ward and a Greffe Officer, travelled to Ghana for a week to take part in the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The cost of all of these flights and hotels was around £12,000.

  • November - Deputies Mary Le Hegarat and Beatriz Porée attended a workshop in Kenya about tackling modern slavery and human trafficking in supply chains with a price tag for the return flights of around £6,000. Another £964 was spent on hotels.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...