Vigilance can report that the UK has re-affirmed its support to Gibraltar with a package of new measures including a runway upgrade and stronger recognition for troops serving in the territory, the Defence Secretary has said.
On his first visit since becoming Secretary of State, Michael Fallon paid tribute to those working to support defence activities in Gibraltar and emphasised the strategic importance of the permanent joint operating base there.
Mr Fallon was welcomed by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, and met the Commander of British Forces, Commodore Ian McGhrie as well as defence personnel including Royal Navy sailors serving with HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre.
He discussed unlawful incursions into territorial waters by Spanish state vessels, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to upholding Gibraltar’s sovereignty with a range of naval, police and diplomatic responses.
During his visit, Mr Fallon signed an agreement under which the UK and Gibraltar will share equally the cost of the first resurfacing work at Gibraltar Airport in 20 years. The improvement will support both commercial and military use of Gibraltar Airport. The Defence Secretary also re-affirmed the commitment to transfer Defence Fire and Rescue Services to the Government of Gibraltar.
The Defence Secretary also welcomed the Chief Minister’s commitment to introduce legislation in the next few weeks to place the Royal Gibraltar Regiment on the same footing as its British Army counterparts, thereby highlighting its valuable contribution in Gibraltar and deployed on operations, noting the reassurance which military personnel will take from this significant development.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “I’m here today to reaffirm the UK’s continuing resolute commitment to Gibraltar. During a period of immense global instability, let there be no doubt that the UK remains absolutely dedicated to ensuring the defence and protection of Gibraltar, its people and British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.
The runway resurfacing agreement which I have signed today with the Chief Minister – with the UK investing millions of pounds – will ensure the future operation of the airport, and in the process play a critical role in helping to ensure Gibraltar’s continuing economic development. My visit proves once more that the UK takes Spanish incursions very seriously, and will continue to deal robustly with them. And the measures to beef up the Royal Gibraltar Regiment demonstrate both its importance in Gibraltar itself and how highly valued it is within the British Armed Forces.”