Armed Forces Minister in Gibraltar; GBC not given access

GBC was told it would not have access to the UK Minister for the Armed Forces who arrived in Gibraltar this afternoon. Penny Mordaunt, the first woman to take this post, was appointed in May, and is on a familiarisation visit. No advance warning was given, and the MoD's media officer in Gibraltar told us she would have no contact with the media during her trip, even though this has been a regular feature of familiarisation trips by UK Ministers down the years.

As luck would have it, Penny Mordaunt travelled to Gibraltar on the same flight that brought home the Special Olympics team after their participation in the World Summer Games in California, which meant our cameraman was on hand to film her arrival. She was greeted by the Commander British Forces Ian McGhie and made the impromptu acquaintance of the Gibraltar Government Ministers who were on the tarmac to welcome the Special Olympians.

In a brief statement, the Convent said this was the latest in a programme of visits to meet members of the Armed Forces deployed outside the UK. The focus is therefore on British Forces Gibraltar, although the Minister will pay a courtesy call on the Acting Chief Minister, and will speak to the Chief Minister, who's on holiday, by video conference. The Governor's office says Ms Mordaunt and Fabian Picardo will meet in the early autumn. 

GBC has requested an interview with the Minister and an explanation for the intended media blackout.Before being appointed Armed Forces Minister, Penny Mordaunt hit the headlines when she made a spoof House of Commons speech on animal welfare in order to say an obscene word several times, for a "dare".

Following questions from the media, a further statement was issued by the MoD this evening. In it, Penny Mordaunt says she welcomes the chance to meet defence personnel during her visit, adding she also forward to constructive discussions with the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.