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Oct 23 - ERG Welcomes Westminster Debate On Gib George Cross

Equality Rights Group Chairman, Felix Alvarez, has hailed a Westminster parliamentary debate held on Tuesday on the nomination of Gibraltar for the George Cross Award as ‘a significant first milestone’. The ‘Thumbs Up’ Campaign was launched several months back jointly by both Mr Alvarez on behalf of ERG and by Kevin Kelway leading the South West Region’s Friends of Gibraltar Group.

‘The speakers praised the Gibraltar People's contributions and loyalty to Britain. ERG's submissions to the Prime Minister were taken note of, as well as the support and up-front work being done by the Friends of Gibraltar Group and Mr Kelway. Conservative MP Oliver Colvile headed the debate, and our special thanks and appreciation go to him for his sterling work in not only supporting the Campaign and tabling the debate itself, but also for once more highlighting Gibraltar at a British Parliamentary level, with the collateral benefit of keeping Gibraltar positively to the fore in the political and British public and media's focus’, added Mr Alvarez. 

’The Parliamentary debate, without a doubt, is an important step forward at what, in fact, is a very early stage. It is not only the subject of UK political discussion and debate on Gibraltar and its merits, it is also a next stage as we approach the formalities and technicalities which will have to be advanced. As Chairman of ERG, I am in receipt of formal notification from the Office of the Treasury in this regard in order to follow through the paperwork and procedures – which will be done in cooperation and close consultation with our UK friends and parliamentary supporters without whose dedicated involvement this Campaign would not be possible. This is a collective, group effort which we will continue to pursue jointly.

‘From a procedural point of view, Gibraltar's qualifying criteria present a development in the thinking behind the award. This in itself, whilst a challenge, nonetheless nothing other than the very real on-going development and evolution of the thinking behind the award itself which, when originally instituted by the Queen’s father, King George VI, was initially exclusively awarded for individual gallantry, but has adapted itself to collective consideration (as was the case with Malta and the Royal Ulster Constabulary). 

’Contrary to arguments from some quarters, the nomination process is, in and of itself, generating deep respect and serious consideration in Britain. The question will be to what extent the very specific circumstances of the Gibraltar People's record of gallantry will be seen to fit into current thinking with regards to the nature of the award itself. Time will only tell, but Equality Rights Group and the Friends of Gibraltar Group - with the increasing Parliamentary support being gained along the way - will continue to pursue recognition by the UK of the very real merits presented before them.

’In this,’ ended Mr Alvarez, ‘we continue to ask for the participation of all who believe it is time Gibraltar was formally recognised by the Crown for its meritorious service in multiple historical circumstances which, in our view, make Gibraltar a worthwhile and deserving nominee - whether of the George Cross, or any specific Gibraltar honour which Her Majesty may be pleased to confer. In this, the nomination is enthusiastically being advanced by friends within Britain itself as much as by ERG.’

Part of the Parliamentary debate can be viewed by clicking on the following link: www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/house-of-commons-24623703