Gibraltar stand proves popular at UK political conferences

On Sunday, Boris Johnson gave a “barnstorming” speech in support of Gibraltar and its people’s right to self-determination

Tuesday, 5 October 2021 | Updated 07/10/2021 08:51h.

As it did at the recent Labour conference in Brighton, the Gibraltar government has a presence at the ongoing Conservative conference in Manchester and a number of prominent politicians and supporters have made a point of visiting the Gibraltar stand, including the UK’s new foreign secretary, Liz Truss, pictured here on Monday.

The government of Gibraltar also organises a reception at the party conferences, although this year the chief minister, Fabian Picardo, was unable to attend the event at the Tory conference as he tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after returning to Gibraltar from Brighton. He is self-isolating at home and has no symptoms.

He has been following the proceedings closely, and on Sunday he posted on Twitter, saying: This evening I would have been hosting the #Gibraltar @GibraltarGov reception at #CPC21. Unfortunately, as I contracted #COVID19, I was unable to attend. The Prime Minister @BorisJohnson gave a barnstorming speech in support of The Rock!”

In that speech to the packed room, Boris Johnson wished the chief minister well, saying he was sure he will be fine because he has been double-vaccinated.

He also insisted that “unity between this country and Gib will be cemented forever” and referred to Gibraltar’s “free, independent spirit, their right to choose their destiny…. they have chosen to be British and we love them for it”! he said to cheers from his audience.