Originally the leader of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said Brexit was a threat to his country as it shares a border with Spain, but he has since said “maybe we got it wrong”.
And Mr Picardo was keen to stress Gibraltar’s British identity as The Rock marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum when more than 99 per cent of Gibraltarians voted to remain part of the UK.
Spain has never given up its claim to Gibraltar, which has a strategic position at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.
Discussing Brexit, Mr Picardo told the Sun: “It’s a change of plan – but sometimes a new plan is better even than the original plan.”
Mr Picardo said: “I think we have seen since the change a new realism emerge into the importance of Brexit for the whole European Union and for this region around Gibraltar of Spain in particular.
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“That this is not a time to exploit opportunities to try and advance the sovereignty claim.
“I think it is a time to preserve the ability of people in Spain to come and work in Gibraltar, the ability of people who work in Gibraltar to live in Spain, and to have that neutrality of interests recognises.”
Theresa May recorded a video message on a big screen at the celebration promising Gibraltar that they will stay British.
Mrs May said the UK and Gibraltar have never been closer on the 50th anniversary of their referendum to be British rather than Spanish.
She said: “The UK will continue to stand firmly besides Gibraltar and will resolutely safeguard its people and its economy.
“Gibraltar will remain British for as long as it chooses to do so.”
In a speech to celebrate National Day, Mr Picardo said: “Britain sticks with us, and we stick with Britain.”
Last year 96 per cent of the Brits in Gibraltar voted Remain.
Gibraltar has no direct say in the negotiations between the UK and the 27 remaining countries of the EU, but dealing with its foreign affairs rests with the UK.