Speculation Over Straw Visit To Gibraltar Intensifies

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

02 May 2002

Speculation over a potential visit from the UK Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, increased in Gibraltar on Wednesday.

The Panorama news service and other local news providers broke the story earlier this week, claiming that in addition to the unscheduled meeting held with his Spanish counterpart, Josep Pique last week, Mr Straw will be paying the Rock a visit this Friday.

However, the government of Gibraltar denied all knowledge of the planned visit, and several of the jurisdiction's lobbying groups confirmed to local newspapers that there had been no contact with the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office over the trip, as might have been expected if normal protocols were being followed.

Speaking to Iberia News on Wednesday, Labour Group spokesman, Nigel Feetham welcomed the reports, explaining that the unexpected visit represents an opportunity to convey the true feelings of Gibraltarians to the UK government: 'Mr Straw has been expressing a wish to come to Gibraltar for some time,' he said. 'We are confident that after he leaves Gibraltar he will be left in no doubt that a joint sovereignty arrangement is not acceptable to the vast majority of the people in Gibraltar.'

However, others are more concerned as to the possible meaning behind the snub to the Gibraltar government, if the rumours concerning the visit are proven to be true.

Peter Caruana is expected to return to Gibraltar from a visit to the UK today, just 24 hours prior to the Foreign Secretary's expected arrival. One unnamed political observer told Iberia News that by failing to inform the authorities of his intentions, Jack Straw had 'shown a total lack of respect for both the government of Gibraltar and the people who the Chief Minister represents.'

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