Tributes to former Gibraltar Representative to UK at National Liberal Club - 155/2026

Diplomats, parliamentarians and officials gathered to celebrate Dominique Searle's decade of service as Gibraltar's Representative to the United Kingdom.

Dominique Searle's diplomatic work was celebrated by friends, colleagues and parliamentary contacts at the National Liberal Club in London this week / last week, following his retirement as Gibraltar's Representative to the United Kingdom, a role he held for nearly a decade.

The event brought together representatives from Westminster's two chambers, Whitehall officials, Overseas Territory missions, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, reflecting the breadth of relationships Mr Searle built during his tenure.

Deputy Chief Minister

The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, was unable to attend in person, as Gibraltar's Parliament was that evening debating the UK-EU Treaty text - a project Mr Searle worked on for most of his time in post.

Jonathan Scott, Gibraltar's current Representative to the United Kingdom, delivered remarks on Dr Garcia's behalf. Dr Garcia said Dominique had "elevated Gibraltar's standing here in Westminster; ensured we were treated as equals within the diplomatic community; and built lasting relationships across the Commonwealth."

Mr Scott also quoted the Chief Minister, who had told Gibraltar's Parliament that Mr Searle's tenure "could not have been more challenging."

Lord Palmer

The evening was hosted by Lord Monroe Palmer, who paid tribute to Mr Searle's work in fostering Gibraltar's connections across Westminster and the wider Commonwealth.

Lord Palmer highlighted Mr Searle's role in strengthening working relationships with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and key government departments, and in establishing direct ties with diplomats from across Europe and the Commonwealth nations.

High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom

His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, spoke of the productive relationship that had developed between the Indian High Commission and Gibraltar under Mr Searle's stewardship, describing Gibraltar as a "sweet spot of opportunity" for Indian business interests, given its unique position at the intersection of the UK and European markets.

He described Mr Searle as someone who could find "a solution to every problem" - and praised his creative instincts, his political dexterity, and his ability to build trust across different institutions and communities.

Dominique Searle MBE

Mr Searle said it had been a privilege to represent Gibraltar in London at a uniquely consequential period.

He paid tribute to colleagues past and present, and to his wife Sattie, whom he described as "the Rock's number one advocate at the party conferences" - a warm acknowledgement of the personal dimension of the work and the fact that Sattie was by his side throughout his diplomatic work.

Mr Searle closed by reflecting on the values that bound Gibraltar and its partners together: "respect, integrity and peace" - and expressed gratitude for having been part of that shared endeavour.

Jonathan Scott, Gibraltar Representative to the United Kingdom

In his own remarks, Mr Scott spoke of Mr Searle's influence on his career, noting the qualities he had brought from journalism to diplomacy: calm, analytical judgement, and the ability to deliver difficult truths with care.

He noted that Mr Searle had arrived in London in 2016 - just as the Brexit referendum reshaped the landscape - and had spent more than a decade patiently making the case for Gibraltar's distinct situation: its geography, its cross-frontier workforce, and the need for a bespoke outcome.

"Dom got me started in the world of diplomacy," said Mr Scott. "He was generous with his time, his advice, and his reassurance. On behalf of His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar - thank you, Dominique. Thank you for your service."