The second reading stage of the reform on magisterial inquiries is set to start on Tuesday 11th February, the Labour Party said in a statement on Thursday.

It stated that this was decided during a meeting of the Labour Party Parliamentary Group. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield said that this decision reflects the government's commitment that this law should be given priority.

Attard claimed that in recent days, both the Court as well as several lawyers have ""confirmed the courageous step that the government is taking in this reform. He said that the reform finds its basis in the electoral manifesto of the Labour Party, in the various reports presented by the Bonello Commission, the Venice Commission, and the Law Commission.

He said that this reform will "strengthen the rights of the citizen, make each party involved in the process responsible, introduce legal safeguards to suspects in line with Constitutional Court pronouncements, and strengthen the rights of victims and relatives.

The Minister remarked that in front of those who laugh in the face of those who have undergone unfair treatment, there will be a Labour government that acts decisively against injustices. He "said that this is a reform which continues to distinguish the PL from others.

Bedingfield said that this reform will "strengthen the principles of judicial independence, proportionality, and the rule of law," which the PL said together form the foundation of every democratic society. Bedingfield said that through this reform, there will be a more impartial and fair judicial system.

He said that as soon as the PN saw the details of the reform, they increased the frequency of attacks and made arguments that "did not make sense". Bedingfield commented that with this reform, it would no longer be possible for individuals to abuse the judicial system because it would not allow a magisterial inquiry to be opened on the basis of rumours.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that judicial independence ensures that magistrates and judges can operate freely from external pressure that might be exerted on them whether it be from politicians, media, or public opinion. He continued that with this, the autonomy and the impartiality of the judiciary will be ensured.

Attard and Bedingfield said that this reform will be carried out by a Labour government with the mandate of the people, and added that it will ensure that the country's judicial system is more "efficient, fair, and resilient against any abuse."