The Gibraltar Flag is to fly at the Foreign Office building in London to mark Gibraltar's National Day. "It is fitting that Gibraltar‟s flag should be flown annually in London to mark this occasion," said Foreign Office minister.
FCO Foreign Office Ministers David Lidington and Mark Simmonds, respectively the Ministers for Europe and the Overseas Territories, will welcome the raising of the Gibraltar Flag over the FCO in Whitehall on Monday 10 September, to mark Gibraltar Day.
Indeed, from now on, the flags of each UK Overseas Territory will be flown over the FCO one day every year, to mark a significant day in each of their respective histories.
Mr Simmonds said: "I am pleased that the FCO will be celebrating this new era of positive engagement between the UK and the Territories by flying their flags over our building in London. The Government is determined to show our commitment to this relationship in a year which has seen a number of important landmarks, including the publication of the White Paper‟.
Mr Lidington said: “I send my greetings and best wishes to all Gibraltarians ahead of Gibraltar National Day. It is a day to celebrate the people of Gibraltar, their community and identity. It is fitting that Gibraltar‟s flag should be flown annually in London to mark this occasion.”
On 14 June, the flag of the Falkland Islands was flown over the FCO, 10 Downing Street and the Department for Communities and Local Government to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the islands' liberation.
The flags of all Territories were flown as part of the Diamond Jubilee pageant, and will be featured in future ceremonies of State.
Said the Foreign Office: The UK and the 14 Territories share a special and unique bond, with shared historical links that go back more than four centuries.
Panorama Gibraltar 06.09.2012
