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Chief Minister Discusses Brexit Issues with Prime Minister - 259/2019

April 05, 2019

This afternoon, the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, took a call from the Prime Minister Theresa May.  

The lengthy conversation that ensued was friendly and positive in both tone and substance.

The departure of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar from the European Union was discussed, as well as the negotiation of the future relationship which Mrs May confirmed would cover the whole of the British family including Gibraltar.

The discussion also included reference to the Prime Minister's written request today to the President of the European Council for a further extension of the Article 50 period and the effect on the UK and Gibraltar, particularly in relation to European Parliamentary Elections which may have to be held as a result.  The Chief Minister was able to confirm that the Gibraltar Parliament had passed the necessary legislation to enable European elections to take place moments before he had taken the call from Mrs May. 

The Chief Minister was also able put across the views of Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar on matters relating to the extension of time being sought and the negotiation of the future relation between the UK and the EU and received assurances from the Prime Minister on her continued support for Gibraltar.

The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia MP, travel to London on Monday, with officials, to take part in a further JMC on Gibraltar's exit from the EU which will allow further opportunities for discussion of Gibraltar specific issues in this context.

The Chief Minister said: "I was very pleased to be able to speak directly with the Prime Minister about the Gibraltar issues that concern us in respect of the developments we are seeing around the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union.  Mrs May was, as ever, wholly supportive of Gibraltar and understanding of the matters which is raised with her.  She is a staunch and reliable friend of Gibraltar."