Dec 06 - New Governor’s Speech In Parliament – Full Text
This is the full text of the speech delivered by Sir James Dutton who was sworn in as Governor of Gibraltar earlier today:
When he stood here 7 years ago, Sir Rob Fulton commented in his inaugural address, that he was the first Royal Marines Governor in the long history of Gibraltar: remarkable in many ways, given the very close bonds and linkages between us. Now, only a short time later, you have another Royal Marines Governor – it is sometimes said that you can have too much of a good thing – I hope it is not so in this case.
Like many Royal Marines I have visited (or to be strictly accurate, passed through) Gibraltar on a number of occasions in my 37 years in uniform, but never really staying long enough to get to know the City. As the first port of call for almost every ship leaving or returning to UK there was something of a standard routine: the ship would dock in the early afternoon, there would be some sort of smart cocktail party type event around dusk, and then the evening (and for some, much of the night) would be spent enjoying the hospitality of this town, sometimes even involving the consumption of beer! The following morning the price was paid – the Rock Run! Then around lunchtime the ship would sail. So, although we were peripherally aware of the enormous and enduring strategic and geographical importance of the Rock, most remembered it more for its welcoming hospitality. Of course, over the years, and especially since being selected for this appointment, I have deepened that knowledge considerably – I have a way to go, but I know you will all help me with that.
It is an extraordinary privilege for anyone, but especially for a Royal Marine, to be appointed as Governor and Commander in Chief. Our existences have more or less coincided over time and many events have been shared. And the timing could not be better: next year is the 350th anniversary of the formation in 1664 of the Admiral’s Regiment, that later became the Royal Marines, and the 310th anniversary of the capture of Gibraltar by British and Dutch marines in 1704. Gibraltar is the only battle honour that we wear on our Colours and crest – it is on the cap badge of every marine. It was one of my Companies when I was commanding 40 Commando in 1996 that represented the Corps when you granted us the Freedom of the City, 8 years before you granted it to the Royal Navy; I always enjoy reminding my naval colleagues of that! That very special and enduring relationship is hugely important to the Royal Marines and, I think, to Gibraltar and its people.
I arrive here at a difficult time when the number, scale and character of incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters is significantly up, and when the delays to cross the border are unacceptably long (indeed, amounting to harassment): a situation made worse by the illogicality and random nature of their imposition – situations that simply should not exist between 2 friendly nations that belong to the same political and economic organisation, the EU, and to the same military organisation, NATO. But Gibraltar has experienced these things before – indeed much worse at various times in our history – 15 sieges I believe, and with the distinction of being the only remaining territory on the continent of Europe that remained in Allied hands in World War 2. So we all know that these things only serve to strengthen the resolve and determination of the people and the Governments. I say ‘Governments’, because in my reading into the history, I do not think that there has ever been a period when the support of the British Government has been stronger, or so openly expressed. It is now repeated so often that at first I did wonder if it was really necessary for me to again repeat the assurances on sovereignty, but as the new Governor I think I should. The Constitution is clear ‘Her Majesty’s Government will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their freely, and democratically expressed, wishes.’ Furthermore, Britain has also declared, publicly and repeatedly, that ‘it would never even enter a process of negotiation with Spain about the sovereignty of the Rock without Gibraltar’s permission.’ Whatever may have happened in the past, even in the relatively recent past, there can be no doubt or fear by any of us that that commitment would, or could, be breached.
The sovereignty case is rock solid – indisputable – non-negotiable, and applies just as strongly to the territorial waters. We occupy the moral high ground on this issue and also on decolonisation: whatever arguments may continue to occur over the fine detail of the decolonisation case within the context of the UN, no reasonable person could claim that Gibraltar is a colony of the UK. I have often found in many situations that it helps to apply the ‘common sense’ test – step back from the legal and administrative minutiae – and apply common sense. Nobody applying that test could say that the UK has not taken full account of the wishes of the people of Gibraltar – self-determination certainly rules here. So, despite all the irritations and inconveniences, we are 100% sure of the rightness of our position and Britain and Gibraltar are in lock-step on this.
Equally good news is the strength of the economic situation here, in a business friendly environment, with all the advantages of EU membership and full compliance. I mentioned earlier my various short visits, but I did spend a longer period here in the early 90s on a joint force command post exercise, and again in 2004 as Commandant General Royal Marines at the 300th Anniversary. This city has made remarkable strides, certainly very noticeable since my visit in the early 90s. Of course we should never be complacent: none of the pillars of this economy (or indeed any economy) are immune to reverses and the potential effects are obviously magnified in a small economy. But there are clever, well qualified and experienced people who are managing this, looking for further diversification opportunities and looking to the medium and long term to ensure that the current situation is sustainable.
I referred earlier to the relationship between two (in fact it is 3) European entities. It is self-evident, but nonetheless important to reiterate that there is no value for anyone – least of all Gibraltar – in a poor relationship between Britain and Spain or between Gibraltar and Spain. Good neighbourly relations between the 3 of us are truly a ‘win-win’, indeed a ‘win-win-win’ situation. Against the background that I have described, of the rock solid relationship with Britain, and our shared belief in the certainty of our case, we can, indeed we must, talk to Spain about the many local issues that are reducing the quality of life, not only here in Gibraltar, but even more so for the Spaniards living just across the border. Talking is crucial, and I hope that the ad hoc talks can start soon, not least as a demonstration of goodwill and a shared desire to progress. We remain absolutely ready to talk – but there has to be somebody to talk to!
Most of my working life (37 years) was spent in uniform and most of the last 10 years of that involved with the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as that very valuable experience I have spent the last 3 ½ years working in a completely different area for the US construction and engineering firm, Bechtel. For the last 2 ½ years I have been heading up their project in Gabon in West Africa where we established an agency to coordinate much needed infrastructure development. Obviously Gibraltar is nothing like Gabon, but I do believe that the commercial experience I gained there can assist me here in better understanding how Gibraltar operates. Liz and I are looking forward to getting to know all Gibraltarians and to be further educated on every aspect of life here: even if things do not concern me in my constitutional position, they most certainly interest me, and I will be keen to hear about them. I have met and conversed at length with 6 former Governors – Chapple, Luce, Durie, Richards and Fulton, and of course my immediate predecessor – all different characters, from different backgrounds, but with one thing at least in common: they all fell in love with Gibraltar and its people and all still have many local connections. I just know that it is going to be the same for Liz and I – and we are both hugely looking forward to it.
And now I am delighted to be able to conclude with a message from Her Majesty the Queen, who has asked me to convey Her support for the people of Gibraltar and Her continuing best wishes.
