Charlie Smith
CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has blasted attempts to try and threaten the sovereignty of Gibraltar in his New Year’s message.
The Rock’s leader used the opportunity to allay Brexit fears, as well as speaking about domestic issues such as the Island Games (see our round-up below).
“The concept of Joint Sovereignty or any dilution of our sovereignty is a DEAD DUCK,” said Picardo. “It’s as DEAD AS A DODO.
“If anyone seriously thinks they can advance the concept of Joint Sovereignty, they are flogging a DEAD HORSE.”
Picardo’s strong words come after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, appeared to reopen the subject of Gibraltar’s sovereignty during Brexit negotiations.
“If anyone in Spain, in any part of the political spectrum, believes that we will ever compromise on our sovereignty they are wrong,” Picardo said.
Fabian Picardo
“If anyone seriously thinks they can advance the concept of Joint Sovereignty, they are flogging a DEAD HORSE.”
On Brexit, the Chief Minister reiterated his own position, wanting to remain in the European Union, along with 96% of the British Overseas Territory.
But as the UK Parliament are set to vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next week, Picardo maintained that Gibraltar is ‘duty bound’ to ‘make the most’ of Brexit.
Gibraltar is set to leave the European Union with the UK on March 29.
Meanwhile, there were many other domestic policies, reforms and other pieces of information, in the Chief Minister’s message, which can be found here.
The Rock’s leader ended his message by saying: “On behalf of my wife Justine and our children, Sebastian, Oliver and Valentina, and on behalf of all of my ministerial colleagues and their families, let me wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2019.”
Five key points from Picardo’s message:
- Gibraltar’s sovereignty is not under question
- The Civil Service has grown 20% under Picardo
- Public Sector pay has risen by more than the UK each year under Picardo
- The Island Games returns to Gibraltar in 2019
- There will not be a general election in Gibraltar until after Brexit
