'We choose Britain every time' Gibraltar will NOT turn back on UK for EU and single market
GIBRALTAR'S chief minister Fabian Picardo has denied reports that the territory would leave the UK to stay in the EU.
The chief minister of Gibraltar said he would not turn his back on the UK
There has been widespread speculation in Spanish media that Mr Picardo wanted a second referendum in the hope that Britain would remain in the eurozone.
However, hitting back at thise reports, Mr Picardo said: “Gibraltar is leaving the EU with you.
“If pressed to choose between London, Britain and the UK on the one hand or Brussels, the EU and the single market on the other, we know what our choice will be.
William Hague has warned that Britain must not be held hostage by European nations
Gibraltar is leaving the EU with you
“We will choose our relationship with Britain every time.”
Mr Picardo has said that Gibraltar wants to have an agreement that gives them access to the single market and freedom of movement.
He said: “We are entirely satisfied that Gibraltar is being involved in the process of Brexit.
Picardo has denied reports that he wants a second referendum
Gibraltar is leaving the EU with you
“We will also, of course, continue to seek access to the EU single market where possible.
“But we will choose Britain first as we have for hundreds of years. As we have for generations.
“And we will do so both with our hearts and with our heads.
Mr Picardo said that it is “nonsense” about him wanting a second referendum and he has just said there could be another referendum on the exit deal of Gibraltar.
Boris has said the UK will stand besides Gibraltar
Gibraltar vote by 95 per cent to remain in the bloc in the June referendum.
Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, has said: “A Spanish flag on the rock is much closer but I’m not celebrating the result.”
In a message sent to guests at the Gibraltar Day in London this week, Boris Johnson said: “We will continue to stand beside Gibraltar.
“We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against their wishes.
“Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.
“And we will continue to work together to deepen our economic ties and shared prosperity.”
What next for Gibraltar?
William Hague has warned that Britain must not be held hostage by European nations over unacceptable demands as it negotiates to leave the EU.
The former foreign secretary has said that Spain demanding the UK gives up Gibraltar could be one sticking point in the Brexit negotiations.
Lord Hague has said that he fears Spain might take the chance of the Brexit talks to claim joint sovereignty over Gibraltar.
He said: “The UK has to assume the negotiations will end in two years because it could be held hostage by the demands of one member state refusing to extend the negotiations.”