MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

PM Cameron praises Gibraltar’s ‘enormous dignity’ and the ‘solid, sure and enduring’ relation with UK

Cameron addressing the people of Gibraltar on the National Day (AFP)

UK Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday, 10 September, praised the “enormous dignity” shown by Gibraltar in response to months of pressure from Spain and said the Rock's relationship with Britain was “solid, sure and enduring”.

In a video message to the people of Gibraltar on National Day, the Prime Minister said his Government and the people of Britain “stand with you now” as he called on Spain to end the “unacceptable border delays”.

Mr Cameron said: “Gibraltar has been British for 300 years. Let's keep it that way”. The full transcript of the video follows:

“I am delighted to be able to take part in the celebrations of Gibraltar’s National Day.

“Britain and Gibraltar have a long and proud history. For 300 years we have stood together, as one with our shared sovereign. Today your flag flies over the Foreign Office in London.

“The people of Gibraltar have faced the pressures of recent months with enormous dignity. Let me assure you that the British people and my Government stand with you now. Our relationship is solid, sure and enduring.

“On this Gibraltar National Day, the British government wholeheartedly supports your right to determine your political future. As I have said before, we will never agree to any transfer of sovereignty – or even start a process of negotiation of sovereignty – without your consent. And I wouldn’t want us ever to go down that route. Gibraltar has been British for 300 years. Let’s keep it that way.

“As we celebrate today, let us all remember that Spain is our neighbor and thousands of Spanish people are welcomed by you to work in Gibraltar. I know many of you have close family and friends in Spain. The world is an unstable place; Gibraltar is not. And that is why we want to see day to day matters dealt with through dialogue and not in unacceptable border delays, or other actions or rhetoric. I have called upon Spain to work with your government and ours to find solutions to the difficulties of recent months.

“Today let us look to the future and to a confident, flourishing, secure Gibraltar with good, constructive relationships with all its neighbors in the region – north and south. That way everyone wins.

“So enjoy a great celebration and party today.

“Happy National Day Gibraltar!”