Letter: Taking pride in Gibraltar success

I WAS astounded to read the recent rant about Gibraltar by Gerald Warner (Insight, 3 April), a writer who one expects should know better. Some of the mistruths he repeats suggest he has recently attended a reception at the Spanish Embassy and swallowed fairy tales as well as cakes.

Gibraltar has been British since 1704, longer than the USA has been a country, and indeed for a longer continuous period than it was previously occupied by the Spanish. Since the naval dockyard was closed in the Eighties, the economy has developed and evolved, transforming the territory from a colonial outpost to a modern country which embodies the best things associated with being British. An example is the port, which is busy and a popular choice for ships to be arrested, because the marine court is swift, efficient and operates under English law. Internet gaming companies have set up and prospered, not because they are unregulated but expressly because their reputation is enhanced by operating from a solid jurisdiction.

Gibraltar is an economic success, and receives no aid from the UK, and indeed many UK politicians wish Britain itself was as successful. The Gibraltar of today is the result of good government and sustained investment by its people in the future.

Unlike short-term policies in other places, Gibraltarians have invested heavily in education, health services and infrastructure, all funded locally. This future is not something to be "given away" to appease Spain for something that happened 300 years ago. The Gibraltar taken from Spain in 1704 and ceded forever to the UK Crown in 1713 did not include an airport, modern hospital or the infrastructure of a modern nation. Gibraltarians enjoy low taxes, low crime and living in a place we are all proud of. The weather is pretty good, too.

In 2001 along with others I told Jack Straw what we thought of him and the plan for joint sovereignty. He listened and it was abandoned. We occupy the territory in the same manner as Scots occupy Scotland, and it is insulting for anyone to assert otherwise.

Gerald Warner claims to be "of Craigenmaddie". I would not suggest handing over his home to anyone and suggest he books a holiday in Gibraltar to find out why he is so manifestly badly informed and wrong in his views.

Jim Watt, Gibraltar