The Chief Minister is travelling to Spain today for a number of engagements.

In Seville, Mr Picardo is attending a lunch hosted by the Grupo Joly which owns nine regional newspapers in Andalucía. Tomorrow  evening, the Chief Minister will be in Madrid to attend a private dinner organised by a group of journalists where he will have ample opportunity to brief them on his Government’s policy on dialogue with Spanish political parties.

During his stay, in Madrid, Mr Picardo is also attending a lunch organised by El Pais as well as various meetings with representatives of different political parties. The Chief Minister returns to the Rock on Thursday in time to address a Chamber of Commerce dinner.

In the absence of both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, who is in Brussels, Mr Gilbert Licudi QC will be acting Chief Minister.