The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, has today written to Lady Theresa Jane Fitzalan-Howard to offer the condolences of the Government and people of Gibraltar on the passing of her husband Michael.

During his time as Shadow Foreign Secretary, Michael Ancram championed Gibraltar’s cause, instigated many debates in Parliament and supported the efforts of Gibraltar’s Government in defence of Gibraltar’s right to self-determination.

Mr Ancram’s solid support for Gibraltar throughout his Parliamentary career led the Gibraltar Parliament to unanimously and proudly support the Motion that conferred him the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar in February 2011.

The deepest sympathies of the Government and people of Gibraltar are with Michael’s family at this most difficult time.