May 27 - Chief Minister Addresses British Chamber Of Commerce In Belgium
The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo’s address to members from the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium was well received by all who attended.
Although the main focus of his address was on the EU Referendum, Mr Picardo also spoke about Gibraltar’s commitment to tax transparency, immigration and politics, and responded to questions from the floor.
Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said: “Let us put the economic case aside, because for the next 30 days having convincingly won the economic case for the UK staying in the EU, those of us who believe that the UK and with it Gibraltar must stay in the EU need to win another sort of argument.
“We need to win the emotional, the sentimental and the patriotic case for staying in the European Union, because ladies and gentlemen, I do no believe that that it is fair, appropriate or even correct for anyone in the ‘exit’ camp to get up and argue that anyone who vote to stay in are less patriotic.”
He added that the EU must change to improve itself and become more democratic and understanding towards its members, but it is an EU he is passionate about and one that he believes in for the future.
The British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium President Thomas Spiller said they were delighted to have the Chief Minister speak to his members at their AGM.
Mr Spiller said they are looking forward to working with Gibraltar to further their common interest.
With more than 200 members, Mr Spiller hopes the UK remains in the EU for a number of reasons, namely that the UK is the most pro-business country within the EU, and secondly they need the UK to further this pro-business agenda with the rest of the EU nations.
He said: “We believe if the UK pulls out, this could have some real implications for the viability of the European project, in particular, for businesses.”
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