Gibraltar: National Security
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how they intend to respond to the findings of the McGrail Inquiry that found “grossly improper” and “sinister” interventions by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to interfere in a live criminal investigation relating to national security.
Answered by Stephen Doughty
Sir Peter Openshaw's report contains extremely serious findings which are deeply concerning, and which must be urgently addressed. The UK Government takes its constitutional responsibilities very seriously and expects the highest standards of good governance to be upheld in all our Overseas Territories, including in Gibraltar.
The Inquiry and the report's findings are firstly the responsibility of the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Parliament, Judiciary and other local accountability mechanisms and authorities.
We have however been explicitly clear that the UK Government expects the Government of Gibraltar to implement the necessary reforms quickly and fully. The UK Government stands ready to support Gibraltar in strengthening its institutions, and to taking any further actions as required to ensure good governance in line with the established constitutional arrangements and our responsibilities.
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