SURELY, it is for the inhabitants of Gibraltar to decide their future in a democratic and open manner and not as the result of a secret stitch-up between politicians and civil servants?

Gibraltarians have called for their own referendum on whether or not they want their home handed over to, or shared with Spain.

The outcome is predictable. More than 30,000 people have long been resolute in their passion to remain British.

In fact, it must be entirely predictable, because both Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and his Spanish counterpart say they will ignore the result.

It is a disgrace that loyal people who plead to remain within the British fold are being rebuffed and rejected by a government abandoning its duty of care.

JEAN ALLISON (Mrs), Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom.