The Government has accused lawyers representing former Police Commissioner, Ian McGrail, of seeking the imposition of Direct Rule in relation to the Inquiries Act.
It claims the Leader of the Opposition has also, in effect, argued that the Governor or his office should not assent to the legislation.
Number Six says the seriousness of these developments in the context of Gibraltar's constitutional democracy cannot be understated.
The Government claims the lawyers in Mr McGrail's team - namely, Charles Gomez and Adam Wagner - sought the intervention of the Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, in relation to the new Inquiries Bill - despite this having been passed by Gibraltar's Parliament on Monday.
It says these lawyers have in effect sought direct rule - and argues that this is also true of Opposition Leader Keith Azopardi, who met with the Governor to express his concerns over the new legislation.
Number Six reiterates that the new legislation has simply made Gibraltar law substantively identical to UK law - and that the tactics pursued by Keith Azopardi and Ian McGrail demonstrate no care for the Rock or its reputation.
MCGRAIL RESPONSE
Ian McGrail’s lawyer Charles Gómez has responded to Chief Minister regarding a so-called request for direct rule in respect of the new inquiries legislation.
Mr Gomez says the Chief Minister has failed to understand the Constitutional arrangement in Gibraltar which places the responsibility of preserving the peace and good governance of Gibraltar on the U.K. government.
Mr Gomez has played down the idea that there is a cosy relationship between the Gibraltar government and London, which can interfere with a citizen's right to defend himself against the behaviour that we have seen emanating from the local government these past few weeks.
Mr Gomez told GBC the rule of law trumps personal or professional interest.