Speaker upholds privilege complaint against Net TV

Speaker Michael Frendo this evening upheld a breach of privilege complaint against Net TV made by Labour MP Joe Mizzi.

Mr Mizzi had complained that MPs on their way to the Chamber within the precincts of the House had been obstructed by journalists wanting to ask questions.

Dr Frendo said that while he acknowledged the role of the Press in a democracy, in terms of the law, MPs had to be able to make their way to and from the House serenely and without being hindered in any way.

He said that he was also instructing the Clerk of the House to set up an area at the entrance of the Palace, behind which reporters and cameramen had to stand if they wished to ask questions to MPs.

The case will now be referred to the Privileges Committee.