 The question of Jersey's independence has been discussed from time to time in the Assembly of the States of Jersey.In 1999, a member of the government said that 'Independence is an option open to the Island if the circumstances should justify this' but the government 'does not believe independence is appropriate in the present circumstances and does not see the circumstances arising in the foreseeable future when it would be appropriate'.In 2000, Senator Paul Le Claire called for a referendum on independence, a proposal which failed to win any significant support.