Updated | Cyrus Engerer collects 1,600 signatures in favour of hunting

Adds Engerer's statement at 11:45am

Labour MEP candidate Cyrus Engerer has personally collected more than 1,600 signatures for a petition launched by the hunting lobby, which he presented them to hunters' federation FKNK in their bid to "safeguard hunters' interests".

The FKNK are trying to stave off an imminent referendum to abrogate spring hunting laws, after the Coalition Against Spring Hunting collected close to 40,000 signatures for an abrogative referendum to be held.

FKNK chief executive officer Lino Farrugia thanked Engerer for his contribution and wished him success in the European Parliament elections.

The FKNK sad it had created the petition to protect its legal interests, rights and privileges of minority groups. Since its launch, several thousand signatures have been collected.

"In just over two months since the launch of the [etition, a substantial number of signatures have already been collected from thousands of Maltese and Gozitan citizens. The petition also enjoys the support of various minority associations and groups within the Maltese society," Farrugia claimed.

In a statement issued later this morning, Engerer said that the Maltese people "should enjoy the same rights Europeans have."

While pointing out that he's not a hunter, the MEP hopeful said "what applies to Europeans, applies to the Maltese."

Insisting that this was consistent with his beliefs and the Labour party's electoral programme, Engerer explained that Maltese hunters should be treated in the same manner European hunters are.

Engerer was formerly a Nationalist local councillor and deputy mayor for Sliema before deciding to join Labour over his disagreement with the PN to pursue its position against divorce.

The gay rights activist serves the Labour government on two consultancies, with the civil liberties ministry and the home affairs and national security ministry. He also chairs the Consultative Council for LGBT rights.