I refer to the editorial entitled Spring Hunting Referendum? (July 3) wherein it is stated “that there is no existing law that allows spring hunting but a case-by-case derogation from an EU directive. So why should we vote on a law that doesn’t exist?”

Kindly refer to sections 13 and 14 of the Referendum Act. Subsection 14(1) of the Act does not refer to a law but to an enactment which is defined in subsection 13(3) as “an Act of Parliament and any Act passed by the Legislature of Malta and includes any Code, Ordinance, Proclamation, Order, Rule, Regulation, Bye-law, Notice or other instrument having the force of law in Malta”.

Contrary to what was stated in Times of Malta editorial, the above is very clear as to what can be subject to an abrogative referendum. Spring hunting in Malta is in fact regulated by a set of regulations entitled “Framework for allowing a derogation opening a spring hunting season for turtledove and quail Regulations” introduced by legal notice 221 of 2010 and subsequently amended.

After considering the above and seeking legal advice, Alternattiva Demokratika will be proposing to the Coalition against Spring Hunting currently in formation that the abovementioned regulations will be the subject of an abrogative referendum.

It is expected that signatures will start being collected shortly.