The Conservative Leader and Gibraltar MEP Ashley Fox is to tell the new Secretary for Exiting the European Union that Gibraltar and its border with Spain must be central to any new agreement with the EU.
Britain has dismissed a formal Spanish request for bilateral dialogue over Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Chronicle has published. A letter from acting Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo was handed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by a senior official from the Spanish embassy in London on September 20.
Britain's Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has said the Labour Party fully backs the Self Determination of the People of Gibraltar, and the Rock must continue to enjoy the benefits from its membership of the EU.
Britain’s Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, was briefed by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo this week on Gibraltar’s key concerns ahead of Brexit. Mr Davis, accompanied by Robin Walker, the Minister of State at the department for Brexit, met with Picardo and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia in London late Monday evening.
Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo sent a firm message on Saturday, 10 September, the Rock's National Day, which was accompanied by strong support messages from the UK and a visiting delegation of MPs from all parties in Westminster
United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged her new administration’s full support to Gibraltar, in a recent private letter to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has met with the new Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, in London, where he set out the concerns that Brexit has created in the Rock. Mr. Picardo also outlined the opportunities that could now be exploited as a result of a new relationship with the EU.
Alan Duncan KCMG MP has been appointed as Minister of State at the Foreign Office, responsible for Europe and the Americas. He replaces Hugo Swire MP, and will report to the new Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. Sir Alan (59) remit will include NATO, the Americas, the Falklands, Gibraltar and polar regions.
Spain has said it will formally propose to the European Union that the question of Gibraltar be treated separately when it negotiates Britain’s exit. The acting Foreign Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo reminded journalists in Spain that when Britain leaves all EU treaties will stop applying to the Rock.
The Spanish government has called for joint sovereignty over Gibraltar in the wake of the UK's vote to leave the EU. The British overseas territory of 30,000 voted overwhelmingly for remain, with 95.9% opting to stay in the union.