The controversy surrounding the Prime Minister’s declaration that he is not excluding sending asylum seekers back to Libya has now shifted to the political arena, with both major parties trading charges.

Last Friday, the Prime Minister said unless the EU comes to Malta’s rescue in dealing with irregular migration, he might resort to a push-back policy, arguing the island can no longer cope alone.

He also threatened to veto EU legislation on an unrelated subject to make a point.

The issue resurfaced following the rescue of 291 migrants off Malta last Wednesday.

On Sunday, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil accused the Prime Minister of fanning the flames of xenophobia.

He added that such remarks were very dangerous and that Malta had to respect its international obligations.

In a statement, Labour yesterday accused Dr Busuttil of hypocrisy, saying that in 2010, he had defended the Italian government, which had resorted to the push-back policy.

The PL said that back then the PN leader – an MEP at the time – had expressed his support for an agreement through which Italy could send migrants back to the Libyan authorities.

It said Dr Busuttil was only interested in trying to hinder the Government’s message that Malta is no longer prepared to be left dealing with this issue by itself.

It added that this incident is further proof the PN leader could not be taken seriously as he was continously changing his stance.

The PL said that the Nationalists have learnt nothing from their own failures in government.