GSD Says Treaty Marks ‘A Significant New Period’

Opposition Leader Keith Azopardi has welcomed the signing of the Gibraltar Treaty, describing it as the end of a decade of negotiations following the Brexit referendum.

A statement from the GSD follows below:

The signing of the UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar is a milestone and the welcome end to a decade of negotiations after the  Brexit Referendum. 

Leader of the Opposition, Keith Azopardi said: “There is no doubt that today has the potential of opening a significant  new period for Gibraltar. With it comes hope as well as fears and expectations which many have been expressing to  us. While it will change the way things are done economically as well as in terms of citizen’s rights we need to ensure  it does not undermine our identity or ability to determine our future. Despite the misgivings that arise as to lack of  certainty, jurisdiction, security or trade it is now up to all of us to try to make this Treaty work for Gibraltar and its  people. The opening of the new chapter that starts today brings many challenges as well as opportunities. A future  GSD Government will invest in infrastructure, resources, our product and services to maximise the opportunities and  navigate the challenges which undoubtedly lie ahead. We will ensure that Gibraltar can meet those challenges that  will affect many businesses or people on the ground. 

As necessary that should include targeted assistance for those who will be negatively affected by Treaty provisions as  well as a careful consideration of rules that could enhance or protect our economy or the rights of people. All this must  be done within the confines of a Treaty that will affect our governance and day to day lives.” 

The Treaty must still be ratified under the differing processes by the UK and EU Parliaments although as is well-known  the Treaty will be provisionally applied as from midnight tonight.  

The Treaty has been signed alongside a UK-Gibraltar Concordat that governs the relationship between the UK and  Gibraltar Governments in relation to the UK implementation of the Treaty. The GSD will comment separately on that  Concordat.