The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, has this afternoon written to the Leader of the Opposition, Keith Azopardi, replying to his letter regarding the proposed amendments to the Gibraltarian Status Act and related legislation. 

A statement continued: “The Chief Minister informs the Leader of the Opposition that His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has already carefully considered much of what Mr Azopardi raises in his letter but, nonetheless, Mr Picardo said that he appreciates the tone and unusually constructive spirit in which his concerns have been expressed. Mr Picardo tells Mr Azopardi he is right to note that the issues at stake are both practically, financially and emotionally significant for many in our community, and it is essential that the debate reflects that depth. 

"Mr Picardo tells Mr Azopardi that the Office of the Chief Minister will be in touch with the Leader of the Opposition shortly to arrange a meeting so that the Chief Minister may provide Mr Azopardi with a detailed briefing.”

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said: “I will be glad to meet with the Leader of the Opposition, given his unusually constructive tone, to discuss in detail the issues he has raised in his letter, in a spirit of mutual respect and working together in the best interests of Gibraltar and the Gibraltarian public we both serve.”