There is nothing in the public domain about what the plans for a Non-Negotiated Outcome [NNO] to Gibexit might be which will overcome all consequences of such an eventuality.
Worryingly, however, there is an admission from the Chief Minister that “practical and economic support” from the UK would be necessary. There is no confirmation that such support would be forthcoming.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, recently met online with The UK Minister responsible for Gibraltar, David Rutley.
Following that meeting the message is that “… it was important to continue to prepare for the alternative as much as we can.” The Chief Minister has said that there are very developed plans to cater for an NNO.
There is no reference there to UK aid being forthcoming.
BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY WITHIN EU TREATY
The Chief Minister continually repeats that what he seeks is agreements with the EU following Brexit that do not diminish British sovereignty over Gibraltar.
His last expression of this objective is contained in his letter of 1st May to the Hon. Bill Cash MP, chair of the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons [Committee], as is his NNO preparation reassurance.
It followed suggestions by the Committee that parts of the Gibexit negotiation amounted to “… a significant diminution of British sovereignty.” The fear was based on Eurosceptic arguments based on increased EU role and power in and over Gibraltar should a Gibexit treaty be reached.
UK EMPHATIC ON GIBEXIT DEAL
Mr Rutley confirmed to the Committee that central aspects of a Gibexit treaty were resolved, including matters related to the airport, goods and customs, and mobility of persons. It is difficult to see what other areas are pending agreement.
The message that comes through loudly is that the UK are convinced of the need for a Gibexit treaty to be forthcoming.
It seems that one is agreed subject to some minor detail (see blog. “Gibexit Political Deal Announced”, 12 April). He emphasized the shared commitment of all parties to arrive at such a Gibexit treaty.
There is a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 16-17 May in Strasbourg. We shall see if a Gibexit treaty progress announcement will be made then.
UK PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC BACKING?
The Chief Minister’s same letter says, “We are confident also that we have the full backing of your Committee and the British Parliament for the practical and economic support that would be required should an unacceptable proposal block these negotiations.”
The clear message is that we would need help and aid from the UK in the event of an NNO. There is no public UK commitment to provide that help and aid, just insistence that a Gibexit deal should be reached.
The message one receives must be that the alternative of an NNO does not really bear thinking about.
UK MILITARY
Mr. Rutley also told the Committee, “The United Kingdom will only reach an agreement with the EU on Gibraltar which the government of Gibraltar is content with, which safeguards Gibraltar sovereignty, and which fully protects the operations and independence of the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar…”.
The reference to the UK military is noteworthy, especially his reference to nothing in the Gibexit talks would influence the UK military’s independent operation in or from Gibraltar.
He emphasised that “The airport and the airfield is run and managed by the Ministry of Defence, which will not change… in terms of the airport and the airfield, in terms of the way it’s run and managed by the Ministry of Defence.”
UK Defence issues have been the subject of much comment, but little specific reference from the UK. An interesting scenario may develop in the event of an NNO as between the civilian population and the military.
Llanito World 