2016
24 June 2016
After months of campaigning the ‘Gibraltar Stronger IN Europe’ group led by Gemma Vasquez successfully ensured that 96% of Gibraltar’s votes were casted for the ‘remain’ camp. Unfortunately however, the UK decided to vote overall in favour of leaving the European Union, and so on this day the Government began its preparations, minutes after the vote, to ensure that Gibraltar would be protected in any future deal.
16 July 2016
The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo met with the then Foreign Secretary – Boris Johnson – to ensure that whatever arrangements were made with the EU, Gibraltar’s sovereignty would never become a bargaining chip. Mr Johnson said “the UK will take whatever action is necessary to safeguard Gibraltar’s British sovereignty and prosperity”.
July – December 2016
Several meetings were held in the UK between the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the newly formed Gibraltar Brexit Negotiation Team in order to protect Gibraltar’s interests on all fronts.
2017
25 January 2017
The Chief Minister flies to the UK with the Deputy Chief Minister to deliver oral evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on Exiting the EU. The CM reaffirms that “we are not going to be accepting the payment of any price in our sovereignty, jurisdiction or control for our future participation with the United Kingdom in any trade deals with the European Union”.
29 March 2017
The Prime Minister, Theresa May, officially triggers Article 50. The Chief Minister in a statement to Parliament highlights that Gibraltar was included in the ‘White Paper’ and that the PM “has also stated explicitly that she and her Government are absolutely and steadfastly in support of Gibraltar and its people and economy’”.
02 April 2017
The Chief Minister holds an important call with the PM after she had met with President Donald Tusk in Downing Street. The PM assured the CM that “on the subject of Gibraltar, the UK’s position had not changed: the UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people”.
11 December 2017
The fifth meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council (Gibraltar EU Negotiations) took place in London, with ministers in full agreement that Gibraltar’s specific interests must continue to be fully taken into account as the UK exits the EU. The Deputy Chief Minister and Robin Walker MP both emerged highlighting that the meeting was “productive” and that Gibraltar would most certainly be protected at all stages of the negotiations period.
2018
31 January 2018
David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the EU highlights in a letter once again that the UK Government had been working hard with the Gibraltar Government to obtain a good deal for Gibraltar. Additionally, he states that the UK is “clear” that Gibraltar will be covered by the exit negotiations.
28 March 2018
A year before the ‘date of Brexit’ (as it was then) the Chief Minister highlights that together with the Deputy Chief Minister and the negotiations team, Gibraltar had built a unique relationship of trust with the UK and the PM. He stated that ministers were “genuinely supportive” of Gibraltar’s interests and that the Government would continue to work hard to ensure that this relationship would only go from strength to strength.
09 September 2018
The Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, attended the Gibraltar National Day celebrations and was hosted by the Chief Minister throughout his stay. He accompanied a wide array of MPs from different parties which were all clear that Gibraltar’s position had to be protected going forward.
13 September 2018
The Government released the first of many “No Deal Brexit Technical Notices”, this one on ID Cards and Travel Documents, indicating that even though the negotiations process was going smoothly, under a GSLP/Liberals Government all eventualities must be planned for.
15 November 2018
The Chief Minister and the UK Prime Minister held a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street whereby a UK Government Press Release referred to the two leaders as equals in welcoming the conclusion of a Protocol on Gibraltar that forms a vital part of the Withdrawal Agreement. “The leaders” as they were referred to, looked forward to continuing the negotiations process in line with the 2006 Gibraltar Constitution.
25 November 2018
After some mistaken and misleading comments made by Mr Pedro Sanchez, President of the Government of Spain, Sir Tim Barrow released a letter on behalf of the UK Government unequivocally highlighting that “the United Kingdom has given an assurance that it will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content”. Another huge blow for Spain and their mistaken claims.
2019
04 March 2019
Another landmark moment for Gibraltar as a Tax Treaty with the Kingdom of Spain is finalised. The tax treaty remarkably recognises the existence of a separate and distinct tax authority in Gibraltar as well as the concept of the “Gibraltarian national” and a commitment by Spain to remove Gibraltar from its black list of tax haven jurisdictions in the future.
14 March 2019
The UK Government successfully passes a motion in Parliament to extend Article 50 and effectively delay Brexit. Gibraltar’s position remains protected and over another month of EU membership is guaranteed.
09 April 2019
The Chief Minister is invited to talk at a packed People’s Vote rally attended by many MPs and other famous politicians.
10 April 2019
The EU Commission agrees to a second Article 50 delay until October 31st meaning that Gibraltar remains within its status quo and continues to have EU membership until then however the Government continues to actively plan for all possible scenarios.
15th September 2019
Dr. Joseph Garcia and Steven Linares of the Gibraltar Liberal Party attended the Liberal Democrats Annual Party Conference held in Bournemouth over the weekend. Dr. Garcia spoke at the conference as part of a Brexit panel and outlined the work that Gibraltar has done in order to prepare for a No Deal Brexit. Crucially, at the conference he confirmed that he welcomes the Liberal Democrat’s policy of revoking Article 50 and remaining in the European Union.
17th September 2019
Government announces that the Brexit Information Office opposite the John Macintosh Hall will be opening on the 1st of October – yet another step in order to ensure that Gibraltar is ready for any form of Brexit, whether it happens or not.
18th September 2019
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia continues to lobby and connect Gibraltar abroad. Dr Garcia attends the UK Liberal Democrat Party Conference to set out Gibraltar’s position alongside the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson.
There have been over five hundred meetings, engagements and media interviews linked to Brexit since the referendum of June 2016.
