Dear editor,

As Chairman of the Gibraltar Defence Police Federation I noted your published story on the 12th October 2022 of the recent reception held at the Convent and hosted by the Chief Minister to thank members of the Armed Forces and Essential Services for their participation in Operation London Bridge in Gibraltar, following the sad passing of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III.

It is disappointing and I am very sad to have to mention that the police officers of the Gibraltar Defence Police were not included in this event.

Our members are part of a police force that has existed in and for Gibraltar since before WWII. The GDP has always been part of the Essential Services. We work tirelessly alongside our colleagues to deliver our mission for the MOD and at the same time keep people safe in our homeland. In virtually every major policing event in Gibraltar we are there – contributing vital specialised expertise to the wider effort. Our members similarly contributed to Operation London Bridge and a team of officers were on the parade together with their colleagues from the other Essential Services and Armed Forces.

As Chairman of the GDP Federation I would like to pay tribute to our officers and thank them for their participation in Operation London Bridge. I believe they made a difference too.

Thank you to the GDP officers who stood on parade. Thank you to those that helped search the locations for the gun salutes and for the parade. Thank you to our Armed Response Teams and Dog Handlers who assisted RGP throughout . Thanks to all the GDP officers who changed or gave up their rest days to be available to work during those days.

As the GDPF Chairman I would also like to pass on my  thanks and appreciation to all the Armed Forces and Essential Services for their participation in Operation London Bridge.

Yours faithfully

Christian Hermida

Chairman

Gibraltar Defence Police Federation