In a speech at the Europe Day Reception at The Garrison Library, Gibraltar, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander reaffirmed the Government's commitment to Gibraltar, Mr Alexander said: "On this special day, I re-iterate the Government’s firm commitment that we will respect your wishes on the question of sovereignty. The UK will never pass sovereignty over Gibraltar to another State against your wishes. And we will not enter into any process of sovereignty negotiations with which you are not content. I know that your relationship with Spain is a difficult one. And I am glad to have had the opportunity to come and hear first hand what impact that has."
Continuing Danny Alexander said: "So, on this Europe Day, I ask everyone involved to think of the basic principles that underpin the European movement, particularly the free movement of people across internal borders. We are working hard to promote those principles and Gibraltar’s right to enjoy their fruits. And we will continue to do so. On the success of Europe and its institutions in delivering peace and stability:"
Turning to the history of Europe, Danny Alexander said: "I am delighted to be able to share Europe Day here with you. Like so many parts of Europe, Gibraltar has witnessed some of the most damaging conflicts of the last century. Conflicts that ripped our continent apart inflicting misery on an almost unimaginable scale. But since those early steps in the 1940s and 1950s that were to give birth to the European Union our generations have been sparred conflict of that scale. This year, we commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the First World War. Next month, HM the Queen will mark the D Day landings of 1944, the start of the liberation of Europe".
Talking about the future of Europe and the EU Mr Alexander said: "It behoves us all to reflect that 70 years on, those countries sheltered within the framework of the EU are enjoying the longest period of peace and security in generations. 500 Million people leaving and trading in peace. 28 countries working together to further democracy. Countries that were once in mortal conflict – now working together to resolve differences and work for the common good of the economy, security and the environment. We now have generations of people who have been spared the suffering of conflict and who would find the idea of EU states in armed conflict unthinkable."
