WATCH: Thousands Attend Anti-GST Rally

Sunday, 22 January 2023 17:26

A huge crowd gathered at Guernsey's North Beach car park to protest against the introduction of a 5% Goods and Services Tax.

There was a large turn-out for the first of two planned anti-GST events this week, with an estimated 2,000 islanders attending a rally in St Peter Port.

Handmade signs soared over the large crowd, while red ribbons were shared around - making the most of the thousands of items of promotional materials purchased by anti-GST campaigners.

A large flag lead the procession from North Beach, around the Prince Albert statue, and up to Market Square.

A number of speakers stood on a stage to address the crowd before islanders sang GST-themed parodies of well-known songs - such as "We Will STOP You" instead of "We Will Rock You".

Islanders we spoke to said:

"It's a lazy, unimaginative problem to a problem that P&R can't even actually prove really exists to as large a scale as they have led us to believe."

"I don't agree with us having to pay more to line the States pockets when they are not doing what they should anyway."

"People are saying no to GST, let's hope the government listen to us."

"I think it will cost the island, I really do. Guernsey is already so expensive."

The Policy and Resources Committee has previously said its tax and social security package will put more than £2,000 a year into the pockets of working people.

It says the less well-off will be cushioned from the effects of GST because of social security reforms.

The States debate GST on Wednesday (25 January), with some deputies proposing alternatives.

Another demonstration is planned that morning on the court steps.