Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning said that free votes are allowed for MPs when the subject under discussion is a matter of conscience.

He was asked by The Malta Independent whether Labour MPs will be given the chance to express themselves freely after a debate on a motion of no confidence in Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi will take place in Parliament. The motion was filed by independent MP Marlene Farrugia.

Dr Muscat said that the motion presented by Dr Farrugia is not a matter of conscience, effectively ruling out the possibility that Labour MPs would be given free vote.

Last Monday all Labour MPs voted against a motion of no confidence in the government presented by the Opposition.

The unanimity arrived in spite of reports that senior government ministers had urged Konrad Mizzi to resign in the wake of the Panamagate scandal.

The possibility that some MPs might vote in favour of Dr Marlene Farrugia’s motion has been raised again, considering that this time it singles out the minister. But Dr Muscat this morning made it clear that the whip will not be lifted – that is, MPs will be voting according to party lines.