Part of European Parliament (Representation) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:00 am on 14 January 2003.
David Heath
Shadow Spokesperson (Trade and Industry), Shadow Spokesperson (Home Affairs)
10:00,
14 January 2003
That may well be, but I return to my principal thesis. The proper people to speak for the
people of Gibraltar are those elected by the people of Gibraltar, not those appointed by the Foreign Secretary. It is extraordinary that provision has not been made for consultation with the elected Members of the Gibraltar House of Assembly. The Chief Minister may well speak for the people of Gibraltar and consult with the Assembly. In the case of Mr. Caruana, I have no doubt that that would happen, but that is not the point. The legislation should require consultation with elected Members en bloc.
It is a small House of Assembly elected on a rather strange franchise. I shall not bore the Committee with detail about how the number of seats is calculated, but it is not as one would expect for a normal legislative body. All sides of political opinion within Gibraltar should be heard and be seen to be heard, which is why I tabled the Amendment.
I would go further. The House of Assembly currently constitutes representatives of three parties. As well as the main Opposition, the Liberal party, led by Dr. Joseph Garcia, holds two seats and I see no reason to exclude someone who holds two seats in the House of Assembly. A more basic question is relevant. Each of the political parties that might be expected to seek registration—this is the purport of my amendment—has a legitimate view on the operation of electoral arrangements.
In this country, political parties are always consulted about such matters. Indeed, huge consultation takes place not only over the Government's proposals for the political process, but the secondary proposals of the Electoral Commission that flow from them. Consultation is enshrined in several examples of legislation passed by the Government, so why should it be any different because it is Gibraltar? Why do we treat the people of Gibraltar as if they have no valid opinion of their own on these matters?
Identifying the electoral region for combination is a relatively minor matter in the context of the whole. At least anecdotal evidence suggests that the people of Gibraltar would prefer to be combined with the south-west region. The Select Committee on Foreign Affairs expressed that view in its 11th report of the 2001–02 Session. A footnote states:
''We note that during our visit to Gibraltar, a preference was expressed for the South West region.''
That may be the outcome, but it is not for me, or the House to judge. It is up to the Electoral Commission to bring forward a recommendation. Preferences should be expressed first by the House of Assembly en bloc and, secondly, by the political parties.
I am not sure whether any properly formed political parties are not currently represented in the House of Assembly. I admit my ignorance, but it is logical and reasonable to assume that there may be. There may even be a pro-Spanish party, although it would be unlikely to engender many votes in the present state of affairs in Gibraltar. Even the views of such a party, if it exists, should be heard.
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