Speaker Anglu Farrugia this morning ruled that there was no breach of parliamentary privileges in comments passed by Labour MP Joe Farrugia on the session of 8 July.

Nationalist MP Clyde Puli requested the protection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives after Labour MP Joe Farrugia passed remarks which Mr Puli interpreted to be threatening.

When asked by the Speaker to explain his position, the Labour MP said that he was joking.

The incident happened midway through a marathon sitting in which the Opposition called for a division each time a vote was to be taken on the strategic plan for environment and development.

The speaker said that the comments passed did not influence parliamentary procedures or votes and therefore there was no breach of parliamentary privileges, however he appealed MPs to be cautious and that such incidents should be avoided.