A Labour government would not renegotiate hunting and trapping regulations with the EU but would insist the Maltese were treated like other Europeans, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said last night.

“Illegal hunting will remain illegal but we are members of the EU and have to operate within the parameters of the EU. Our position on hunting and trapping is simple: we want Maltese hunters and trappers to be treated like those in other European states, such as France,” he said.

Dr Muscat, who was participating in the television programme Affari Tagħna on One TV, said that where derogations were possible, his government would apply them.

Turning to immigration, Dr Muscat said that Labour would be tough with the decision-makers in Brussels to ensure that regulations that did not apply to Malta would not be invoked.

“We have to see the human face of immigration. We intend being strong in Brussels but I can assure you there will be no space for xenophobia and racism.”

On public transport, Dr Muscat said a Labour government would open discussions with service providers Arriva on what could be changed for the better in the present system and rope in local councils on improvements they would like to see in their localities.

“The problem is not Arriva but the people behind the choice of routes,” he said.

The programme was about the PL electoral programme unveiled on Wednesday. Participants included actor Adrian Buckle, lawyer Ramona Frendo, ex-Siġġiewi Nationalist mayor Robert Musumeci and radio presenter and lecturer Andrew Azzopardi, who all praised Labour’s electoral programme, saying it was ambitious and detailed.