UK confirms Gib’s ‘full involvement’ in Brexit planning

A minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has given the House of Lords an assurance that Gibraltar will be “fully involved” in preparations for the UK’s negotiation to leave the EU.

The assurance had already been given in writing to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo by Europe Minister David Lidington, but this was the first time it had been publicly confirmed by a UK minister.

It means Gibraltar will have the same voice as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as the UK prepares the ground for negotiations over its new post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

That will enable the Gibraltar Government to ensure UK ministers and officials have a deep understanding of Gibraltar’s concerns and hopes for the future.

“As we prepare for a negotiation on our new relationship with the EU, we need to ensure that we look to preserve—and advance—the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom,” said Baroness Anelay of St Johns, a Tory peer and Minister of State at the Foreign Office.

“I can give assurance that the British Government will fully involve the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments, as well as the Government of Gibraltar, in this process.”

FULL STORY IN OUR PRINT AND E-EDITIONS