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Aug 20 - ERG Launches George Cross Campaign for Gibraltar

ggrEquality Rights Group in partnership with Plymouth & South West England Friends of Gibraltar Group have today announced the launch of ‘Thumbs Up for Gibraltar’, a campaign aimed, in its first stages, at generating public support throughout the SW of England by calling on David Cameron to award the George Cross to the People of Gibraltar.

Plymouth-based Kevin Kelway, known locally for having led the campaign to link the Rock with the South West’s Euro Constituency back in 2002-03 (raising over 30,000 signatures) who represents the Friends of Gibraltar group in the region, said, ‘Plymouth and Gibraltar are soul-mates! Our history unites us; as does our sense of Britishness. That is why, as Gibraltar’s respected and well-established Human & Civil Rights organisation, we have partnered with Equality Rights Group to consolidate support for the Rock in Britain.’

For his part, ERG Chairman, Felix Alvarez commented that ‘together, our two groups will be building this campaign, which comprises of various elements. On the one hand, Plymouth supporters are already drumming up media, political and public support in the South West of England. And we aim to grow that. It is expected that not only MPs but also MEPs from the region and beyond will support and sponsor moves to support Gibraltar – a number have already indicated their willingness. On the other, ERG has already written to Prime Minister David Cameron, Secretary of State William Hague and Europe Minister David Lidington to reinforce the work the two groups are jointly undertaking. We have also advised the Government of Gibraltar directly and Gibraltar House in London.’

Jointly, Alvarez and Kelway have put in motion a press and political campaign within the UK to award the People of Gibraltar the George Cross – in the same way that, in its day, it was conceded to Malta for heroism.

‘The People of Gibraltar’s resolute defence and firm fortitude in the face of difficulty in relation to Spain merits high recognition from Her Majesty’s Government. And we will jointly work to achieve it!

Closing the communiqué, Alvarez pointed out that ‘this partnership project forms part of the work we announced some weeks back to support Gibraltar and take the pressure to wherever it needs to be taken. It is done in a measured and appropriate manner, avoiding interfering in the on-going political and diplomatic process.’

The ERG Chairman also announced that ‘ERG will be publishing and distributing free of charge here in Gibraltar a handy, easy-to-read booklet entitled Your Rights: Spanish Law.’

‘As a human rights organisation it is our job to assist people in understanding their rights and achieving them. This present project is currently in hand and we have every expectation that the booklet will be available by National Day. The aim is clear: to ensure that all citizens travelling to Spain have facts at their disposal and know where they stand in respect of Spanish law in terms of understanding the country’s legal system, police powers, and helpful do’s and don’ts. It will be in simple and easy-to-understand language and will give the facts people need when facing difficulty in various aspects of the law in Spain. Let us be clear, however, the leaflet is a factual guide. It is not political propaganda - nor is it rhetoric. Its aim is clear: to provide information in a neutral but useful format.’