The House of Representatives adjourned unexpectedly early this evening amid confusion on what agenda items would be debated.

The problem cropped up after Finance Minister Edward Scicluna gave a short winding-up speech to conclude the debate on a Bill on how failing banks can be supported within the EU mechanism.

The next item on the agenda was continuation of the debate on a bill decriminalising the vilification of religion. Education Minister Evarist Bartolo was in possession, but he was not in the chamber.

No other MPs rose to speak and amid confusion on which agenda items would be taken up both sides agreed at 7.30pm to adjourn to tomorrow. (A number of MPs were not in the House because they were attending two committee meetings).

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi gave the adjournment speech.  

In a statement, the Nationalist Party said that the government, trapped in political and corruption crises, had 'abandoned parliament'.

It said no member of the Cabinet was in the Chamber to to follow-up the agenda items. 

What had happened today was 'unprecedented' and showed disrespect to the institution, it said.