GIBRALTAR PASTES FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AT CPA REGIONAL CONFERENCE
By J. Brock (SARTMA)
A huge round of applause was given to the Hon. Steven Lineras, the CPA representative from Gibraltar, after he made a stunning contribution to the discussion topic, “The Ability of Small Countries and Overseas Territories to Defend Themselves and to Safeguard Their Status and Independence.” During his speech, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office came under criticism that whilst one had to be vigilant towards Spain, it was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that also had to be watched. The Legislative Councillor’s remarks struck a chord with many who attended the conference. Rather than summarise the Hon. Mr. Lineras’ remarks, here is a full transcript of what he said.
REMARKS MADE BY THE HON. STEVEN LINERAS AT THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION’S REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Small countries and overseas territories generally rely on the British Government for defence and foreign affairs. In fact, in the case of Gibraltar, it is stated in our Constitution. Like the leading speaker stated, defence nowadays does not necessarily mean physical defence of a territory, though that aspect is important. Nowadays the threat globally comes from terrorism.
Defence should mean looking after our political and economic interests. In relation to our political interests, as an example of the difficulties small territories have in defending their rights and interests, it can be seen by the fact (and as it was explained by my colleague yesterday) that you vote to take the UK to court over human rights in order to obtain those basic human rights i. e. the right to vote in European parliamentary elections. When we bare the burden of all directives dictated by Brussels, so much for withholding democratic rights.
The people of Gibraltar have now clearly and equivocally expressed their wishes to remain British. Yet, despite our recent referendum, the British Government has again stated their policy for Gibraltar is to have a negotiated settlement with Spain albeit with our consent. The defence of Gibraltar’s status can only be secured by negotiations with the British Government and Gibraltar and no one else. Gibraltar wants a constitutional reform in order to strengthen our links with Britain, not manage our relationship due to our European status and to be able to be colonised.
At this point, I would like to add that most of the things that our Select Committee of the House and Assembly i. e. opposition and Government, negotiated for our draft constitution, there are many references to the Human Rights Convention.
To be able to defend ourselves, Gibraltar (and honestly, all the other Overseas Territories and small countries) we have to be vigilant at all times. In our case, not only with Spain, who is the country that wants to take our homeland, but unfortunately, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, whose policy is always ambiguous and, most of the time, contrary to our expressed wishes.
Gibraltar has been better defended by the MOD, not through its military power but through its political intervention due to Gibraltar’s strategic importance in the fight against terrorism. We have been better defended by the CPA intervention when pressurising previous Governments’ undemocratic stance. We have been better defended by the UK MPs, who have seen and felt the injustice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office policies. We are better defended by our own vigilance and by always exchanging information with each other. And, we are better defended by sticking together and not allowing the British Government via the Foreign Office and, in some cases, the Home Office, who does not seem to understand, or worse still, don’t want to understand our needs and concerns.
Thank you very much.
(100X Transcription Service)
