Gibraltar enjoys a great measure of self-government. It has a written constitution in the form of the Gibraltar Constitution Order 2006. This, apart from embodying the fundamental freedoms, sets up a Westminster-style democratic Government. It also defines the responsibilities of the government. Gibraltar’s Legal system mirrors that of England. It is a common law jurisdiction that applies the principles of Equity. Gibraltar´s statute law consists of Acts passed by the Gibraltar Parliament and very few English Acts of Parliament made applicable to Gibraltar by Orders in Council. The Gibraltar Parliament normally enacts the statute laws of Gibraltar. The statute law of Gibraltar normally follows the pattern of English legislation.
Gibraltar is self-governing with parliamentary elections held every 4 years. The elected parliament assumes responsibility for all aspects of running the territory including taxation, health, education and policing. Gibraltar is self financing and the UK’s remit is limited to defence and foreign affairs. However, as a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar maintains very strong links with the United Kingdom and whilst most of the population is bilingual, the business language is English, the currency is sterling and schools operate to UK standards and curriculum.