government's case is undermined by the continuing poor human rights record on The Rock.'

'Conservatives believe that Gibraltarians should have the right to free expression regardless of sexual orientation. This right exists in Gibraltar's constitution, but the Territory's current legal settlement contradicts this.

'It is a matter of concern to me, as a Conservative who is passionate about Gibraltar's right to decide for itself whether to remain British, that Spain of all places has a better record on gay rights than the Rock. Gibraltar should be setting the example, not lagging behind.'

Mr Alvarez, who is currently in London for a series of meetings with political figures, welcomed Mr Davenport's comments. 'Conservative support for gay rights in Gibraltar would go a long way to showing the Gibraltar government that self-determination is incompatible with divising and unequal legislation. We hope that building a strong relationship with the Conservative Party on this issue will help Gibraltar improve its position on human rights, particularly for the gay community, and thereby strengthen our case for self-determination.

'Being British is important to us. And as for British people in the UK, part of that identity is valuing the diversity that makes our society what it is.'