AD calls for free vote for MPs in EU membership debate

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo made a strong appeal to Labour MPs to vote according to their conscience in this week's debate in Parliament on the European Union membership referendum.

He also called on the two parties to act in a responsible manner by allowing a free vote in Parliament during this week's debate. The Prime Minister has already said he was prepared to allow Nationalist MPs a free vote.

Addressing a press conference at the AD office in Valletta, Dr Vassallo yesterday called on the Labour Party to respect the result of the referendum and refrain from boycotting it.

Dr Vassallo also said that in private conversations several Labour MPs and MLP officials were expressing concern over the party's position on EU membership, with some of them arguing in favour of membership.

Dr Vassallo appealed directly to Labour MPs to take full responsibility.

"Labour MPs should be left free to vote according to their conscience in the parliamentary debate on the government's motion. Labour MPs should rise to this historic and unique occasion by supporting the holding of a referendum on EU membership."

Dr Vassallo also called on the MLP leadership to respect the result of the referendum.

"The MLP is also in duty bound to accept the result of this referendum. The democratic and sovereign will of the Maltese people should be respected. AD is proud that it was the first party to call for a referendum on EU membership back in 1989, when even the PN was against holding a referendum. This is a historic moment for all Maltese and Gozitans."

He also expressed serious concern about the threat of an MLP boycott of the referendum:

"A boycott will amount to an act of blackmail on those Labour supporters who want to exercise their right to vote. In the case of a boycott, the MLP machinery will be mobilised to keep a close watch on Labour supporters who want to exercise their democratic right to have a say in the destiny of their country.

"The MLP has no right to use psychological pressure on its own voters. This pressure could also affect pro-EU voters living in Labour strongholds.

"All this amounts to a resurgence of Big Brother politics. The MLP's policy of boycotts is increasing the partisan divide in our country," he said.

Dr Vassallo once again appealed to MLP voters to vote yes in the referendum and for AD in the general elections.

"EU membership is the best choice for Malta. The choice between membership and non-membership is a choice between premier division status and second division status for Malta.

"Labour supporters who want progressive change in the country have no choice but to vote Yes in the referendum and for AD in the next election."

In an interview published in The Times last Friday, Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami said he was prepared to allow Nationalist MPs a free vote when the motion on the EU referendum question comes up for a vote in Parliament on Friday.

Dr Fenech Adami said that Opposition Leader Alfred Sant should have the courage to allow a free vote to Labour MPs.

"I know that there is more than one Labour MP who wants to vote for membership," the Prime Minister said.

Dr Fenech Adami said he was aware that, a few weeks back, a Labour MP moved a motion to this effect within his Parliamentary group, but he was not supported.

"Not because other colleagues did not agree with him, but because they have to fight an election and they are aware that if they disobey the leadership, they could forfeit their seat in Parliament.

This is a great pity. I think we have reached the stage where every Maltese needs to stand up and be counted, first and foremost Members of Parliament."

Dr Fenech Adami made a strong appeal to these Labour MPs to speak out: "There are clear signs that there are problems in the Labour Party."