A marathon session in the House of Assembly finally concluded at 3am this morning after more than 17 hours.

The One Bermuda Alliance and Opposition Progressive Labour Party discussed the Throne Speech and the latter’s reply to the document for 13 straight hours, starting after their lunch break at 2pm on Friday.

The PLP reply to the Throne Speech was delivered during the morning session and OBA MPs walked out of the House in protest as Opposition leader Marc Bean began to speak.

During the fierce debate after lunch, criticism was levelled at the deal to build a new airport, immigration reform and the lack of “vision” shown by the Government.

Focus was also put on education, notably the middle school system, the soaring costs of health care, employment and the legalisation of marijuana.

This week’s gun violence was also discussed at length, with the Government urged to tackle the “underlying causes” of gang crime.

Premier Michael Dunkley described Tuesday — when there were two shootings with four people injured, as well as the death of popular ocean activist and vet Dr Neil Burnie in a diving accident — as “one of the worst days I’ve had as a politician” and said that the gun violence “impacts every single Bermudian”.

He said legislation alone was not enough to tackle crime.

“Legislation will help but doesn’t fight crime by itself,” Mr Dunkley said.

Further information about the debate will be published soon.