The Government says it is “greatly saddened” to learn of the death of Sir Albert McQuarrie. Sir Albert passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, aged 98. He is survived by his wife, Rhoda, and his son, Dermot.

Sir Albert was the founding Chairman of the first All Party Parliamentary Group for Gibraltar and, in his position as Chairman, received the Freedom of the City on the Group’s behalf.

The former Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, said: “Sir Albert’s energy and enthusiasm was not confined to this own constituency. For many years he championed the people of Gibraltar and their entitlement to remain British.”

After leaving the House of Commons his support for Gibraltar continued and even in his later years he would travel from his home in Banff, Scotland to attend the Gibraltar Day in London.

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said: “Gibraltar has lost a great friend today. In 1981 Sir Albert successfully led the opposition to the British Nationality Bill, which was designed to prevent the people of Gibraltar from becoming British citizens. For this and for much more, we owe him a great debt of gratitude.”