UK restates Gib commitment in Commons, again

The British Government has reaffirmed its “steadfast and longstanding” commitment to Gibraltar and its pledge to “fully involve” the Rock as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

In a response to a question in the House of Commons, Alan Duncan, the Minister of State in the Foreign Office, outlined recent contacts between the British Government and the Gibraltar Government on the implications of the Brexit vote.

He said Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had met with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, as had the then Europe Minister David Lidington.

Officials from each government were also in frequent contact.

“In all of these discussions, the [Mr Lidington] made clear the outcome of the referendum does not affect the United Kingdom’s steadfast and longstanding commitment to Gibraltar, and its guarantee to stand by the double-lock on sovereignty,” Mr Duncan said.

“The Government has also confirmed that, as it prepares for the process to leave the EU, we will fully involve Gibraltar to ensure that all of its interests are taken properly into account.”

“In the meantime, the Government will continue to take whatever action is necessary to safeguard Gibraltar, its people and its economy, including maintaining a well-functioning Gibraltar-Spain border.”