Former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici this morning called on the Maltese government to disregard the European Commission’s advice and start informal talks with the UK regarding Malta’s future relationship with the EU.

“This would ensure that Malta’s existing benefits in areas like trade and health would be maintained,” he said. The UK voted to leave the EU in a referendum last week. 

Dr Mifsud Bonnici, who leads the eurosceptic Campaign for National Independence, made the appeal in a news conference.

The CNI leader argued that the UK should be allowed to retain the free movement of goods with EU member states but not be obliged to retain the free movement of persons.

“Contrary to what Brussels is saying, such an arrangement is already in place with the Trans-Atlantic Trade Investment Partnership between the EU and the US. So why not have a Trans-Channel Trade and Investment Partnership with the UK?” he asked.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici cautioned against involving the Opposition in negotiations about Britain’s exit, saying that the Nationalist Party, including its leader Simon Busuttil had not safeguarded Malta’s interests during Malta’s accession talks.

Asked if the CNI believed that there was enough support to force a referendum to decide if Malta should follow the UK’s footsteps and leave the EU, the former Prime Minister said he was not in a position to know the level of support for such move.

However, he expressed his hope that Britain’s “bold move” to depart the EU would convince enough Maltese voters of the strengths of “the benefits that the UK would be reaping in future years”.