More talks in UK as Govt finalises Brexit ‘Master Plan’

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, are in London for another round of post-referendum meetings as the Gibraltar Government works towards a ‘Brexit master plan.’

The meetings yesterday included discussions at the Trade Union Congress and a meeting with Britain’s shadow Foreign Secretary, Labour’s Emily Thornberry.

Ms Thornberry had earlier sent a message to Mr Picardo reaffirming her party’s defence of Gibraltar’s right to self-determination and its commitment to the UK’s double-lock sovereignty commitment.

The latest trip continues the early engagement of the Gibraltar Government with the UK Government which commenced almost immediately after the referendum result became known.

Prior to this week, meetings had already taken place with the Prime Minister Theresa May, the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Europe Minister Alan Duncan.

The Government, before the summer, embarked on an internal exercise in order to assess the impact of Brexit across every area of the public administration. The private sector has also been involved in this process.

“This detailed consultation has taken place and is now largely complete,” No 6 Convent Place said yesterday.

“The raw data is now being analysed and tabulated by a small team which includes the Deputy Chief Minister and the Attorney General, Michael Llamas, and a “Master Plan” will be produced.”

“This Plan will form the basis of the discussions with the UK Government going forward as part of the commitment given by the Prime Minister to the Chief Minister that Gibraltar would be fully involved together with the Devolved Administrations.”

Mr Picardo and Dr Garcia return to Gibraltar tomorrow.

In their absence the Minister for Health and the Environment, Dr John Cortes, is the acting Chief Minister.