Mcgrail lawyer again calls for publication of Openshaw report

Ian McGrail’s lawyer has again urged the Government to ensure publication of the Openshaw report without further delay, and to provide it now to the core participants on appropriate confidentiality terms.

Charles Gomez claims there’s a real concern that members of Parliament may not have the opportunity to read, still less to debate, the report in any reasonable timeframe.

Charles Gomez notes Parliament is due to sit tomorrow and yet the report has not been laid before the House, or published, as required by sections 25 and 26 of the Inquiries Act.  

Nor, he adds, has it been disclosed to the core participants, including to his client, the former Police Commissioner, or to his knowledge, the Royal Gibraltar Police.

He adds that for the foreseeable future, parliamentary time is likely to be occupied by the continuing debate on the Principal Auditor’s Report.  

Mr Gomez believes that by this stage, the Government must has had ample opportunity to consider the contents of the Openshaw report, together with any recommendations by the Chairman as to redactions.

Against that background, he adds, it’s "deeply troubling" that the report has not yet been provided to core participants, even on terms of strict confidentiality.

He asks for a clear assurance from the Government that, if the report contains findings of misconduct or impropriety, those responsible, however elevated their office, will act in accordance with the "highest British traditions of public life" and resign.

Mr Gomez concludes that Gibraltar is entitled to nothing less than the fullest measure of integrity from all who hold public office in its name.