Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar warmly welcomes the statement from Minister for Europe James Cleverley in respect of the ongoing negotiations on our future relationship with the European Union.

The Government, in particular, welcomes the statement from Mr Cleverley about his optimism, which the Gibraltar Government shares, that the negotiations are developing positively and about the forward looking tone and nature of the ongoing discussions between all participants, at every level of the negotiation.

This is an accurate reflection of a negotiation that is progressing well in addressing complex and difficult issues that have defied agreement in the past, and despite external pressures.

The Government also welcomes the unambiguous nature of the commitment by the United Kingdom Government, expressed yesterday through the Minister for Europe himself, to the integrity of Gibraltar and consequently to the British sovereignty of Gibraltar, which is a sine qua non of the strength of the relationship between the Government of Gibraltar and the United Kingdom Government and not a matter for negotiation with any external party.

The Chief Minister, the Honourable Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: “I have known James Cleverley for many years, even before he was Minister for Europe. We have a very good relationship and his statements before the European Scrutiny Committee are only the latest demonstration of the strength of our personal and political relationship. I am very confident that, continuing to work as closely together as we have with the United Kingdom throughout this period of negotiation, we will be able to achieve a treaty that is safe and secure for Gibraltar in all aspects and respects and which will deliver enhanced prosperity for Gibraltar and shared prosperity across the shores of our magnificent bay. The work continues relentlessly in the negotiation to find final agreement, the positive fruits of which I hope will soon be a matter on which we will be free to make a fuller statement on.”

ENDS