Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, has written to David Davis this evening to raise ongoing concerns about the impact of Brexit on Gibraltar.

Keir’s letter follows a conversation with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, earlier today.

In the letter Keir highlights three major concerns:

1.      The application of any new UK/EU trade deal on services to Gibraltar.

2.      Agreement on the continuation of access Gibraltar’s access to the UK market.

3.      Agreement on the application to Gibraltar of any new trade deals the UK does with third countries.

Keir Starmer said:

“This afternoon I spoke with Fabian Picardo [Chief Minister of Gibraltar] and it is clear there are serious and ongoing concerns about the situation in Gibraltar. The Government need urgently to address this and to provide clear reassurances for British citizens in Gibraltar.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

·         Full copy of the letter to David Davis below:

Dear David,

After discussions this afternoon with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, I am writing to raise a number of important issues concerning the ongoing situation in Gibraltar.

The Chief Minister emphasised three outstanding concerns to me, all of which I hope you will consider and respond to as a matter of urgency.

1: Application of any new UK/EU trade deal on services to Gibraltar

A concern that the UK should be firm in continuing to defend the position that any new agreement which may emerge from these negotiations should cover Gibraltar.  

The Chief Minister emphasised that the UK cannot just accept the Council’s draft parameter, setting out Spain’s position that any new trade deal can only apply to Gibraltar as a result of a bilateral agreement between the UK and Spain.  A tough line needs to be taken and maintained.

2. Agreement on the continuation of Gibraltar’s access to the UK market

A concern that the Government of Gibraltar needs to be able to finalise the agreement with the UK to demonstrate that Gibraltar will have continued access to the UK market.  This is important in respect of all services but in particular, in respect of financial services (especially insurance) and online gaming services.  I am told that the wording used to date has been very helpful as political commitment but that a proposed one page agreement has not yet been finalised despite finding considerable favour and traction with colleagues in the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) from the Department for Exiting the EU and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

3. Agreement on the application to Gibraltar of any new trade deals the UK does with third countries

I understand that this is also agreed but that Gibraltar need a very clear public statement of this.  Clear language from yourself and The Secretary of State for International Trade on this point would be helpful to Gibraltar.

As you and I discussed over the weekend, the sovereignty of Gibraltar should not be used as a bargaining chip in Brexit discussions. It is vital that the interests of British citizens in Gibraltar are protected and that ongoing uncertainty over Gibraltar is resolved urgently.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Keir Starmer QC MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU

MP for Holborn & St Pancras