Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has arrived in Gibraltar for high level talks on the UK's unstinting support for the territory and the upcoming EU referendum
Mr Hammond will this morning meet Chief Minister Fabian Picardo to discuss the UK鈥檚 commitment to Gibraltar鈥檚 defence and security, the territory鈥檚 economic successes and challenges, and the Government of Gibraltar鈥檚 stated wish to remain in the EU.
The official visit will begin with a tour of the Royal Navy vessel RFA Mounts Bay followed by a meeting with crews of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, Gibraltar Defence Police, Royal Gibraltar Police, and HM Customs, who together defend Gibraltar鈥檚 sovereignty and interests.
Talks with the Chief Minister will be held at No 6 Convent Place, the headquarters of the Government of Gibraltar.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:
The UK鈥檚 support for Gibraltar and the Gibraltarian people is firm and unconditional.
I look forward to holding strategic talks with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister on the territory鈥檚 thriving economy, defence and security issues, and the upcoming EU referendum.
Access to the EU Single Market and the ability of EU workers to cross the Gibraltar border every day are a significant part of the territory鈥檚 success story, so the EU referendum vote on 23 June will be as vital for Gibraltar as it is for the whole of the UK.
It is reassuring to see a large Royal Navy vessel moored in Gibraltar and it will be a pleasure to meet some of the UK servicemen and women who work tirelessly to safeguard the territory鈥檚 sovereignty.
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