The debate on the controversial airport project has been delayed until February at least.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Randy Horton announced that the House has been adjourned until Friday, February 3.

It follows suggestions that protesters against the development, still angry about police action at last week’s demonstration, could have repeated their protest outside Sessions House tomorrow.

Mr Horton said in a statement: “Last night I met with the Premier, Michael Dunkley, and the Opposition Leader, David Burt, to discuss my concerns relating to the protests which occurred last Friday outside the precincts of Sessions House.

“As a result of that meeting, both the Premier and Opposition leader have agreed for the House to be adjourned until Friday, February 3, 2017.

I look forward to working with both of them as we resolve this important national issue. I am also requesting a full public independent inquiry into the sequential events surrounding the recent protest.”

David Burt, the leader of the Progressive Labour Party, said this afternoon that issues regarding the airport redevelopment legislation and the clash between police and protesters need to be resolved before Parliament resumes.

“The PLP reiterates our call for a full, independent, public inquiry into why riot police were sent to confront peaceful protesters,” he said. “An inquiry is required so that we may obtain answers to the many questions that have arisen because of these actions. “These questions include the rumours that the Premier and members of his Cabinet were aware of such planned deployment and did nothing to stop it. This must be addressed so that the public’s confidence in the BPS to protect them, and not just the Government, can return.

“That same openness and transparency must be applied to the contract for the OBA’s proposed airport contract. This will only be possible through an independent and public review of the deal by the Auditor-General, which must proceed immediately and we will continue to press for this accountability.”