LONDON (Sputnik) — UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Wednesday arrived in the country's overseas territory of Gibraltar to discuss defense issues, as well as the forthcoming referendum on Britain's EU membership, UK government's press service announced Wednesday.
Excellent talks w/ #Gibraltar Chief Minister @FabianPicardo. We both agree that #Gibraltar & the #UK are better off remaining in the #EU
— Philip Hammond (@PHammondMP) 11 May 2016
"Mr Hammond will this morning meet Chief Minister Fabian Picardo to discuss the UK’s commitment to Gibraltar’s defense and security, the territory’s economic successes and challenges, and the Government of Gibraltar’s stated wish to remain in the EU," the press service said in a statement.
Good morning from #Gibraltar. Visited @RoyalNavy RFA Mounts Bay preparing for its next mission. A reassuring sight. pic.twitter.com/cr7d8xTqH7
— Philip Hammond (@PHammondMP) 11 May 2016
Gibraltar is one of the British overseas territories, located on the Iberian peninsula, controlled by London since 1713. At the moment the territory has broad autonomous powers, but London is responsible for the issues of Gibraltar's defense and relations with foreign states.
Pleasure to meet hardworking members of @RGPolice @HMCustomsGib @MODGibraltar defending #Gibraltar's sovereignty pic.twitter.com/frGQADqPuA
— Philip Hammond (@PHammondMP) 11 May 2016
UK nationals are set to vote on June 23 in a referendum on the country's EU membership, after Cameron and the leaders of the 27 other EU member states reached a deal in February to grant the United Kingdom a special status within the bloc.
