May 22 – Commonwealth Flag To Replace EU Flag After Brexit
The Commonwealth flag will fly from flagpoles across the Rock once the UK and Gibraltar leave the European Union.
This was announced by the Chief Minister during his opening address at the start of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) 47th Regional Conference of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region which is being hosted by the Gibraltar CPA branch at the Rock Hotel.
Many official buildings and key locations such as the frontier and Princess Caroline’s Battery have three flagpoles flying the Union Jack, the Gibraltar flag and the EU flag. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU, which will take place two years after Article 50 was triggered (March 2019) will free up one pole.
The Commonwealth flag consists of the Commonwealth symbol in gold on a blue field. The symbol centres on a globe, representing the global nature of the Commonwealth and the breadth of its membership.
Mr Picardo said: “Those relationships across the Commonwealth are what’s going to make Gibraltar strong and enduring in trade […] As we leave the European Union, Gibraltar will find itself with three flagpoles and only two flags to fly. I thought today would be an appropriate moment to inform you all that, on the day that we leave the European Union, that third flagpole will be taken by the flag of the Commonwealth.”
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