The Opposition has again urged the government to postpone the second reading debate of the Mepa demerger, saying it made no sense to enact the law before public consultation is concluded later this month.

If necessary parliament could continue to meet in summer , it said.

Addressing a news conference at Parliament, Opposition deputy leader Mario De Marco said the government should not take the same approach adopted to enact the SPED, which he said was rushed through in spite of concerns from NGOs and the Opposition. 

Commenting on yesterday's marathon parliamentary session which started at 6pm and finished shortly before 3am today, Dr De Marco said the Opposition opted to call a division on some 20 clauses as it wanted to use this "democratic tool" to convey a message. He said the SPED was a step backwards as it diluted the environment safeguards. 

Opposition whip David Agius remarked that the House Business Committee had not met since April 27 (in the old building) but, nonetheless, the Opposition still cooperated with the government. He said it would be meeting tomorrow at 6pm on the Opposition's insistence.

Opposition MPs Marthese Portelli and Ryan Callus outlined the reasons for the stance taken on each and every amendment put to the vote.

They noted that contrary to the impression given by the government, the Opposition had supported a number of amendments.

However, they had fundamental objections to a number which were vague and open to different interpretations.