Complaint turned down

The Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday turned down a breach of privilege complaint raised by Labour MP Joe Mizzi against Ian Spiteri Bailey and Alice Peplow.

The MP had complained that a letter he had received from them in reaction to a speech he had made in Parliament was threatening.

The Speaker said it could not consider Mr Mizzi's request because it had not been made at the first available opportunity. He said, however, that the letter should never have been sent, more so when the author was a lawyer, as the law was unequivocal in that MPs could express themselves openly in the House without being in any way hindered, threatened or censured.

MPs, however, should avoid mentioning persons who were not in the House, Mr Tabone said.