His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar welcomes that, finally, everyone in Gibraltar will be able to read the text of this important, safe and secure treaty. 

We look forward to the positive consequences of it being understood by all in the UK, EU (particularly Spain) and, of course, Gibraltar.

The Government is also looking forward to engaging further with business groups that have written to the Chief Minister today in the continued spirit of constructive partnership that enabled us to negotiate the arrangements on goods which we consulted widely on when the process begun. 

We recognise the short term concerns of businesses, particularly given the short implementation period available, which is much less than the Government wished to provide. This short implementation period arises, not by choice, but from the need to have provisional application from 10th April to avoid the application of the new European Entry / Exit System.

The Government therefore greatly welcome the statement that "[t]he business community [in ibraltar] overwhelmingly supports the introduction of the forthcoming UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar." 

The Government is much heartened by specific confirmation in that correspondence that "[I]n both formal and informal surveys of our [the members of the GFSB, Chamber of Commerce, the Fair Trade Organisation, the Catering Association, the Retailers Association, the Jewellers Association, Logistics Operators Representatives and their employees], the clear majority have expressed positive views." 

The Government is particularly pleased to note that this very wide group also considers that "the Treaty will create a climate of certainty regarding Gibraltar’s future position in Europe and, for the first time in ten years, provides clarity as to the path Gibraltar will follow."

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said: "I am looking forward to publication, at last, of the text of the UK/EU Treaty.  Although we have confidentially briefed a number of entities, and provided a full copy to the Leader of the Opposition, publication will enable all our community to see the text that the Government has agreed and which we will be asking the Gibraltar Parliament to confirm that we call on the UK to ratify. I am very happy to note the very positive engagement from the business community, already represented in the very supportive Cross Frontier Group. I agree wholeheartedly with the statement of those who have written to me confirming that "the coming into force of the Treaty will create a climate of certainty regarding Gibraltar’s future position in Europe and, for the first time in ten years, provides clarity as to the path Gibraltar will follow. The business community strongly prefers a negotiated treaty outcome to a non-negotiated alternative." That is a key, underlying reality that has motivated negotiators on all sides of the table in securing this agreement. It will now be time to have a sensible debate but understanding that this is a complex issue and that we need to consider the issues carefully and dispassionately as a community and as a nation. This treaty is the result of the Brexit we did not choose, but it can become a real and positive game-changer for Gibraltar. I look forward to publication of the text by laying it in Parliament later this week."