Nov 06 - GSLP-Libs To Explore Impact Of Possible UK Exit
The GSLP-Liberal Alliance will continue to work closely with the European Union, and look at completing a study into the economic impact of Gibraltar joining the Customs Union and into the impact of BREXIT, the possibility of the UK leaving the union as a result of its future referendum.
The Alliance is also committed to exploring the possibility of Gibraltar joining the Schengen area, as well as work towards recommending a vote in favour of the United Kingdom remaining inside the EU when the referendum takes place.
Speaking at a press conference, caretaker Chief Minister and GSLP leader Fabian Picardo announced that Gibraltar is now ahead of the UK with regard to the transposing EU directives into Gibraltar law. When elected in 2011, there were 43 overdue directives they had inherited; by February 2013, they were completely up to date with the EU directives.
Mr Picardo added: “I made it clear at the time I thought it was inappropriate for Gibraltar to want to demand the rights of membership of the EU club without also demonstrating its commitment to play by the rules.”
Caretaker Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia was the first cabinet minister in Gibraltar to have a Europe portfolio. Dr Garcia said the EU is about obligations and about rights, and therefore it is very important that when Gibraltar goes to Brussels to lobby and explain their position, that they are able to say Gibraltar fully complies with its obligations and therefore fully entitled to expect the EU to respect EU rights.
Twenty five years since Dr Garcia and Mr Picardo first visited the European Commission, they have sought to expand Gibraltar’s representation in Brussels. They highlighted other achievements during the past four years, such as opening Gibraltar House in Brussels, lobbying with EU Commissioners and Director-Generals and officials over various issues regarding Gibraltar, full co-operation with the Commission over border delays and providing statistics and photographs every month, fighting for Gibraltar to become part of the EU Aviation legislation, issues over Gibraltar waters, the sewage drainage problem at Western Beach for which Spain admitted liability and appearing before the TAXE Committee of the European Parliament to explain Gibraltar’s position on tax.
As part of their EU policy, the GSLP-Liberal Alliance have committed to: - continue to lobby for Gibraltar in the European Union and maintain close contact with Members of the European Parliament
- maintain Gibraltar House in Brussels
- address the main think tanks in the EU on the position of Gibraltar
- continue holding an annual exhibition in the European Parliament
- maintain the position that Gibraltar Airport must be included in EU civil aviation legislation
- continue to send Gibraltar students to the College of Europe in Bruges
- put across the Gibraltar point of view to the European Commissioners whose remit covers Gibraltar
- recommend, as political parties, a vote in favour of the United Kingdom remaining inside the European Union whenever the referendum takes place
- complete the study into the economic impact of Gibraltar joining the Customs Union and into the impact of BREXIT
- explore further the possibility of Gibraltar joining the Schengen area even if the United Kingdom remains outside, given that unlike the UK Gibraltar is physically attached to the European mainland.
{fcomment}
