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Spain gives up over post-Brexit Gibraltar
| Published: | 23 Oct at 6 PM |
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British expats in Gibraltar are relieved to hear Spain is giving up on its claim to the Rock.
Last week, Spain reassured EU leaders it will no longer attempt to block a final Brexit deal, thus allowing Gibraltar to leave the EU along with the UK, although final details will need to be agreed at a later date. For decades, British expats’ main fears have been Spain’s continuing attempts to claw back the Rock from its British sovereignty, especially as the neighbouring country’s efforts have accelerated since the Brexit referendum. Gibraltar will now lose its EU membership next March, along with the UK.
According to Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo, there are a few key issues which remain to be discussed, including citizens’ rights and the tobacco trade between the Rock and Spain. The minister told reporters he is optimistic about a deal before adding that ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’. Picardo is at present in the UK for the Gibraltar Day celebrations of political and business links, and will speak before the House of Lords EU Committee tomorrow. Subjects for discussion are expected to centre on the final details of the Brexit agreement.
The Chief Minister is also expected to answer queries about his cooperation with the governments of Andalusia and the Campo de Gibraltar region as regards the post-Brexit status of cross-border employees and business owners as well as the communities on either side of the border who require access to facilities and businesses on the opposing side. It’s well known that a good number of expat residents on both sides of the border cross it to go to work, to shop and to visit friends and family.
Last week, Spain reassured EU leaders it will no longer attempt to block a final Brexit deal, thus allowing Gibraltar to leave the EU along with the UK, although final details will need to be agreed at a later date. For decades, British expats’ main fears have been Spain’s continuing attempts to claw back the Rock from its British sovereignty, especially as the neighbouring country’s efforts have accelerated since the Brexit referendum. Gibraltar will now lose its EU membership next March, along with the UK.
According to Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo, there are a few key issues which remain to be discussed, including citizens’ rights and the tobacco trade between the Rock and Spain. The minister told reporters he is optimistic about a deal before adding that ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’. Picardo is at present in the UK for the Gibraltar Day celebrations of political and business links, and will speak before the House of Lords EU Committee tomorrow. Subjects for discussion are expected to centre on the final details of the Brexit agreement.
The Chief Minister is also expected to answer queries about his cooperation with the governments of Andalusia and the Campo de Gibraltar region as regards the post-Brexit status of cross-border employees and business owners as well as the communities on either side of the border who require access to facilities and businesses on the opposing side. It’s well known that a good number of expat residents on both sides of the border cross it to go to work, to shop and to visit friends and family.
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