Oct 31 – Liam Fox: UK Will Defend Gibraltar’s Interests In “Bright New Future”
YGTV in London
The United Kingdom will defend Gibraltar’s interests and sovereignty and work to increase the Rock’s access to the UK market in a “bright new future” following Brexit.
This was the message from Dr Liam Fox at a packed Financial Services lunch in London’s Guildhall this afternoon.
Dr Fox, who is the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, was a passionate advocate of Brexit before June’s referendum and is one of the major figures in Theresa May’s government tasked with implementing the UK’s exit from the EU.
He emphasized that the strong historical links between the Rock and the UK were unaffected by the Brexit vote:
“The decision to leave the EU does not alter the UK’s commitments to Gibraltar,” he said adding that the UK government remained “adamant” in its defence of British sovereignty.
Dr Fox also reassured the audience that Gibraltar would have its views heard in any future negotiations: “Gibraltar’s interests will be taken into account and her voice fully heard,” he explained.
He quashed any notion that the referendum result signaled a move towards a more isolationist role for the UK on the global stage: “Although we will be leaving the European Union, we will not be turning our back on Europe.”
This is the first time that a Secretary of State has attended a Gibraltar Day lunch but, initially, it was in fact Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who was set to appear.
NEW FORMAT
Gibraltarian lawyers, bankers, insurers and other representatives used the lunch to mix with City professionals and sell the Rock and its financial services industry.
In one of several changes to the Gibraltar Day format, the lunch event is now for 300 paying guests and not, therefore, at the Government’s expense.
Gibraltar Day continues this evening with a reception at the top of the ‘Gherkin’ for ambassadors, embassy representatives, MPs and former governors.
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