May 27 – Tax Transparency And EU Referendum Strategy – An Interview With Fabian Picardo
YGTV In Brussels
The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo was in a buoyant mood this afternoon following a positive meeting with the TAXE Committee in the European Parliament.
“This morning’s meeting was about explaining the huge strides that Gibraltar has made in complying with international standards in transparency and accountability. We’ve kept up the date with all the relevant EU directives and I was able to give statistics regarding the exchange of information,” he said.
Mr Picardo stressed that the Gibraltar delegation had appeared in front of the Committee voluntarily.
“The most important thing, and the chairman mentioned this, was that Gibraltar was there by choice. We were voluntarily providing information and wishing to engage with the Committee whilst others have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the Committee,” he explained.
The Gibraltar team, which also included the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, Sir Graham Watson and the Attorney General Michael Llamas, answered questions on corporate tax, tax evasion and tax avoidance. They were also subjected to questions by a Partido Popular MEP on the Rock’s tobacco trade even though these did not fall within the remit of the Committee.
“I answered him in order to bat back the prejudiced and ill-formed view he had on Gibraltar,” said the Chief Minister.
The recent Conservative win in the UK General Election means that, before the end of 2017, there will be a referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the EU and this prospect loomed large over Mr Picardo’s subsequent meetings with MEPs. The Chief Minister stressed that Gibraltar’s position should be made clear to all relevant parties.
“It’s important that the Gibraltar point of view is seen and considered. It’s important that we don’t hide away from these arguments,” he said.
One key element in this lobbying campaign is the opening of Gibraltar House which will take place later this evening. Around 80 guests including ambassadors, MEPs, think tank staff and the international media are expected to attend the launch at the converted property which is a few minutes’ walk away from the European Commission. The office will be staffed by interns, the Gibraltar-born lawyer Daniel D’Amato and headed by ex-Lib Dem MEP and long-standing friend of Gibraltar Sir Graham Watson.
Mr Picardo concluded: ”Gibraltar House will ensure that we are able to influence decision-making about Gibraltar in the EU and have a permanent representation. Although we are not a member state, we are a separate jurisdiction and make separate arguments to the UK. The representation here will ensure that Gibraltar’s point of view is understood.”
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