Mr Picardo has issued a message of hope for Brexit, saying there is not expected to be problems at the border caused by the movement of people and goods. He said: “I don’t see why we would have problems in the border the day after Brexit. “We can still be close and work together on the common good in this area, which I think is what the UK government intends to reflect on the future relationship it can have with the European Union.” Mr Picardo said Brexit should not mean there is a situation where the UK, Spain and Gibraltar “have to fight”.
He said: “The reality of Brexit, which was not the option chosen by the people of Gibraltar, does not have to be a reality where the people of both nations have to fight.”
With regards to the agreement drawn up for Gibraltar, Mr Picardo said: “They are the basis on which we can ensure that we maintain the spirit of these agreements so the day after Brexit we can continue with a relationship that is as positive as the one we have today.”
The citizens of Gibraltar have consistently said they want to remain under the rule of Britain.
However, Spain has used ‘no deal’ Brexit plans to push claims for the ‘decolonisatian’ of Gibraltar.
Officials in Spain have demanded there are footnotes in all EU ’no deal’ proposals recognising Spain’s ongoing dispute with the UK over the sovereignty of The Rock.
Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement includes a section called EU Exit Negotiations, which covers ongoing Gibraltar agreements such as citizens’ rights, fisheries and environment.
The UK government has said this memoranda reflects the UK’s and Gibraltar’s wish to work together “in a spirit of trust and solidarity”.
Mr Picardo has said Gibraltar was ready for all eventualities including a hard Brexit and preparations had been made for any supply chain challenges that could arise from a no deal Brexit.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega