FCO Director-General, Economic and Consular Sir Julian King is currently visiting Gibraltar.  He is set take part in a range of political meetings, as well as a trip on British Gibraltar Territorial Waters with the Royal Navy to learn about the valuable work that they continue to do to protect the UK’s sovereignty.  

He will be accompanied throughout by HM Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley.  Sir Julian and Simon will subsequently travel to Spain.

Julian took up his role of Director-General in June 2014, and has responsibility on the FCO Board for Europe, economic matters and consular services.  His visit will see him experience a wide range of Gibraltar-related issues firsthand.

Responding to questions on whether Sir Julian's visit comes as a result of any pressure throughout ongoing difficulties with Spain, an FCO spokesperson noted that he took on his new role in June of this year and 'has prioritised a visit to Gibraltar, underlining its importance to the UK'. The spokesperson added, 'Sir Julian is heavily involved in the UK Government’s work on Gibraltar.  He is briefed regularly, but there is no substitute for seeing the people and places firsthand, which is the point of his visit to Gibraltar.'

Sir Julian has responsibility on the FCO Board for Europe, economic matters and consular services, his visit will allow him to experience a spectrum of Gibraltar related matters.