Margallo’s focus on joint sovereignty exposes divisions

An inter-ministerial meeting on Gibraltar hosted by Spain’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs yesterday exposed divisions between Madrid and the regional government in Andalucia on how to respond to Brexit.

Spain’s acting Foreign Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, said a UK withdrawal from the EU “is an opportunity” such as Spain has not had since the Treaty of Utrecht, according to EFE.

Ignoring the clear and repeated message from the Gibraltar Government that the Rock’s sovereignty is not negotiable, Sr García-Margallo once again proposed joint sovereignty as a way for Gibraltar to maintain its links to the EU.

But Miguel Angel Vázquez, the spokesman for the Junta de Andalucia, said the minister’s emphasis on joint sovereignty was “a long way” from where the Junta believed the focus should be, which was “on people” who will be affected by Brexit.

Sr García-Margallo’s intervention also drew an immediate response from the Gibraltar Government.

“This is nothing new,” a spokesman for No 6 Convent Place said.

“It’s the same rancid offer Gibraltar has already repeatedly rejected.?”

“That’s why it is important to put our case to partners in the United Kingdom and the European Union as we fashion the future in a way that works best for future generations of Gibraltarians.”

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