The Labour Party has accused Opposition leader Simon Busuttil of political hypocrisy over his critical comments about the prime minister's stand on illegal immigration.

The party noted that it was Dr Busuttil himself who in 2010 had backed Italy's 'push-back' policy. Now he was criticising the government's firm stand as it conveyed the message that Malta could not continue to shoulder this burden alone, the PL said.

Dr Busuttil could not be believed or taken seriously when he said one thing and then another, the PL said.

PN: PM's position contrasts with court decision

The Nationalist Party said the prime minister was continuing to persist with a policy which was mistaken and illegal.

It noted that the European Court of Human Rights had declared that push backs were illegal and violated human rights. Therefore, the prime minister's decision to stick to it would further isolate Malta in the European Union.