Theresa May has learned once more that referendums have no place in British democracy. Only the sovereignty of Parliament holds sway. The other day, she was told quite clearly that Parliament will rule on any final decision.
Not her. Not the Brexiteers. They are, after all, a disaffected band of brothers whose allegiance is to the rise of Fascism in the UK. They believe the world is flat.
So Malta and its MEPs should hold firm and make it plain what the likely, estimated cost of Brexit will be. Then, May can return to the UK and let Parliament know what the EU expects in reparation. Hold out until and beyond the bitter end, for this is a matter of gravest principle.
The EU must stand firm and if it does not, then it will allow other evil forces to fragment it. So delay stage 1 until the leaving cost is properly ratified. Only then move to stage 2. Any weakness on this issue will encourage further cessations and damage the entire European project.
So listen to the dissenters in the UK Parliament and take a leaf from their stand. Be firm and polite but set the exit cost high. As an example to others.