British PM conveys his condolences 11 days after Mintoff’s demise

Eleven days after former Labour prime minister Dom Mintoff passed away, British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote to the Maltese Prime Minister offering his condolences.

Cameron described Mintoff as a "towering figure" in post-war Malta whose influence through independence and beyond would continue to be felt for many years.

"His contribution to Malta, over more than half a century, will be widely remembered, not least his introduction of social and economic reforms and the welfare state," the British PM wrote.

Cameron went on to describe the relationship between Mintoff and Britain as having not always been "straightforward".

"Mr Mintoff's relationship with Britain, and indeed many elements of Maltese society, was not always straightforward," he said.

"However it is clear than he loved his country and was determined to act in what he believed were Malta's best interests. This is something the leader of any nation ought to aspire to."

Mintoff, 96, died at his residence in Tarxien on Monday 20 August. He was remembered by the British media for his "confrontational style and fiery speeches" and for overseeing the closure of Britain's military base in 1979.

This had brought to an end the 200-year-old military link.