Brexit has caused problems for the Government of Gibraltar, as to where it stands in respect of the arrangements already agreed before the British referendum was held on 23 June, 2016. Gibraltar is a member of the European Union (UE) by virtue of Article 227, paragraph 4 of the Treaty of Rome, which states that the provision of the Treaty “apply to the European territories for whose external relations a member state is responsible”. Gibraltar is therefore treated as part of the member state of the United Kingdom. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo is adamant in preserving its special status in view of the Brexit.
In view of the foregoing Gibraltar is in talks with Scotland about a plan to keep parts of the UK in the EU, BBC 2 has learned. Fabian Picardo, the territory's chief minister, told the BBC he was speaking to Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, about various options. One possibility under discussion is for Gibraltar and Scotland, which both voted to remain in the EU, to maintain the UK's membership of the bloc. Northern Ireland could also potentially be included in the discussions. A new situation is taking place which Brexit has not anticipated and this could prolong and make the negotiations difficult. Therefore it is essential that the approval of the British Parliament is obtained before any negotiations are begin.
Mr. Picardo stated the "The position of the people of Gibraltar is that we've expressed, perhaps even more clearly than the Scots, what our view is going forward, what should happen - that we should continue to have access to the single market to the European Union. My obligation is to protect and promote the interests of Gibraltar and to find such partners who may be willing to do the same thing within the United Kingdom." One can clearly see a Pandora’s box opening up as a result of Brexit, and there is every likelihood of serious problems lying ahead.
Baldev Sharma
Harrow
