Brown and Picardo shares thoughts on Brexit

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown held an impromptu meeting with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo after the two men bumped into each other in Brussels yesterday while lobbying for to remain in the European Union.

The Labour politician did not speak publicly about the impact of a Brexit on Gibraltar, but Mr Picardo said he had been “extraordinarily supportive” in private.

It was sheer coincidence that Mr Brown and Mr Picardo were both visiting the European Parliament in Brussels yesterday.

Though both had tight schedules, they managed to share a few words about the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23.

Mr Picardo said his conversation with Mr Brown was excellent, describing him a “big clunking fist of British politics”.

Both politicians are staunch supporters of the UK and Gibraltar remaining in the EU, and they spent the day lobbying for the ‘remain’ campaign.

“He was was very clear to me that we must win this European referendum as much for Gibraltar as the rest of the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe,” Mr Picardo told reporters at a press briefing.

“That resonated with me.”

At the time of their meeting Mr Picardo was proudly sporting a ‘I’m In’ badge, displaying his support for the In campaign.

“He saw on my lapel that he had a friend and colleague on the approach, and he was extraordinarily supportive about the issues,” Mr Picardo said.

Mr Picardo spoke highly of his exchange with Mr Brown, who he said underscored the importance of the referendum.

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