In response to an article written in Irish Independent Group publication, The Argus, reporting on Irish bookmaker Boylesports move to Gibraltar, the Chief Minister has corrected the journalist’s comment that Gibraltar is a ‘British controlled Spanish Territory’.

The article details the move of Boylesports remote operations, and a few staff members to Gibraltar, the company formally held their operations in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

In his letter, addressed to the Editor, Mr. Picardo insisted that the correspondent is  ‘a mere 300 years out of date as the Rock's population are very proud to have been British since 1713 by Treaty, although Gibraltar was conquered by an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704.’

He further touched upon Gibraltar’s booming economy and low rate of unemployment, when addressing her comparison with Spain.

Mr. Picardo concluded his letter by saying, ‘for the clarification of your readers, Gibraltar is proud to be an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. Our modern constitution gives us control over all domestic matters whilst Defence and External (but not EU) Relations remain the responsibility of the UK.

Perhaps your Business Correspondent would like to come out and see our vibrant nation for herself? We would be delighted to make her most welcome, despite the obvious 'faux pas'.’