Jun 24 – “Europe Matters To Us” Says Picardo
The Chief Minister has said that the local referendum result delivers to Gibraltar’s political leaders “a clear mandate” to remain in the EU although uncertainty over the outcome given the close battle still being fought in the UK means that there is “nothing yet to celebrate.” He stressed that the high turnout was proof that "Europe matters to us."
Addressing the crowd following the official declaration of results at the University of Gibraltar, he said: “I am exceedingly proud tonight. This result demonstrates that the will of the people of Gibraltar is overwhelmingly to remain a part of the European Union.”
Mr Picardo added that following previous referenda on the Rock, “it is clear people want to remain British AND part of the EU.”
He said that, regardless of the result, “the mandate of the people of Gibraltar to its political leaders is clear: we must fight to retain access to the single market and to remain British forever.”
“Nothing Yet To Celebrate”
Speaking to YGTV, Mr Picardo said that he was “still very concerned” about the overall UK result.
“There is nothing yet to celebrate – we can be happy about how we have done this exercise in democracy and happy that we delivered a clear mandate to remain in the European Union,” he said.
Mr Picardo said that the Rock’s turnout was of the sort that “other democracies never reach.”
The Chief Minister also thanked all the civil servants who helped in the administration of the vote and the count, the Royal Gibraltar Police and campaign activists. He noted that these included individuals not usually involved in mainstream politics: “To many of you this issue mattered so much.”
He also praised Gemma Vasquez’s “tireless” work as Director of the Stronger In campaign.
Vasquez: Gibraltar’s Voice Heard “Loud and Clear”
The Campaign Director of the local Stronger In Europe campaign, Gemma Vasquez, said she had been “humbled” by the turnout. She thanked all volunteers and said that the result was Gibraltar’s voice being heard “loud and clear.”
Ms Vasquez remarked that she had been amazed by the support of Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Prime Minster David Cameron, both of whom visited the Rock in the run up to the vote.
{fcomment}
