A delegation from the Commonwealth Forum of the National Liberal Club, led by its President Lord David Chidgey, arrived in Gibraltar today on a three day visit.

The delegation comprises 35 members and includes a wide cross-section of individuals with representation from politics, education, health, financial services and the arts among other areas.

The National Liberal Club was founded by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1882 to provide a home for those of liberal thinking.

The visit to Gibraltar follows an address to club members in London on the subject of Gibraltar and Brexit by the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia. The forum has recently visited Malta and will soon visit Cyprus, followed by a visit to India.

During their visit, delegates will attend a formal dinner hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister and they will also be meeting with the Acting Governor, the Speaker and the Commander British Forces.

The NLC will also host a reception of their own to which local dignitaries have been invited.

Dr Garcia said: “I am delighted to welcome the NLC Commonwealth Forum to Gibraltar, who have come here at their own expense to learn more about us. It is a priority of the Government to strengthen our links with the Commonwealth and with like- minded organisations and this visit will be a step in the right direction.

“Indeed, there were a number of High Commissioners present when I addressed the club in London. It is also a pleasure to welcome David Chidgey back to Gibraltar. Lord Chidgey continues to be a staunch supporter in the House of Lords as he was in the House of Commons before that.”

Lord Chidgey said this visit to Gibraltar was a fact-finding mission, saying the Brexit issue for Gibraltar is rather interesting.

He added: “The judgement or opinion of the Council of Europe that Spain should have a say on Gibraltar’s position in Brexit negotiations, I would think there would be a host of international lawyers rubbing their hands for decades at the thought of the legal arguments of the legality and the validity of that statement.

“We mustn’t conflate the situation with the future of Gibraltar, which to my mind is settled, that Gibraltar decides that they don’t want a future with Spain.

“What matters is whether or not it conflates the Brexit deal with Gibraltar’s future.”

Janet Berridge, who is the Chairman of the NLC, said she was looking forward to her first visit in Gibraltar.

She explained how members watched the live EU Referendum coverage, and saw Gibraltar’s voting results come in, there was a standing ovation among members.

Trevor Peel, Chair of the National Liberal Club Commonwealth Forum, said it is particularly important they are visiting Gibraltar on the 50^th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

He said this visit to Gibraltar is part of a series of visits to Commonwealth nations for members.

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