ROCK: Gibraltar leader Fabian Picardo said sovereignty is not up for discussion

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has blasted attempts to try and threaten the sovereignty of Gibraltar in his New Year’s message.

The Rock’s leader used the opportunity to allay Brexit fears, as well as speaking about domestic issues such as the Island Games (see our round-up below).

“The concept of Joint Sovereignty or any dilution of our sovereignty is a DEAD DUCK,” said Picardo. “It’s as DEAD AS A DODO.

“If anyone seriously thinks they can advance the concept of Joint Sovereignty, they are flogging a DEAD HORSE.”

TRICKY: Pedro Sanchez and his ministers have used the Brexit negotiations to raise the question of Gibraltar’s sovereignty

Picardo’s strong words come after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, appeared to reopen the subject of Gibraltar’s sovereignty during Brexit negotiations.

“If anyone in Spain, in any part of the political spectrum, believes that we will ever compromise on our sovereignty they are wrong,” Picardo said.


“If anyone seriously thinks they can advance the concept of Joint Sovereignty, they are flogging a DEAD HORSE.”

Fabian Picardo

On Brexit, the Chief Minister reiterated his own position, wanting to remain in the European Union, along with 96% of the British Overseas Territory.

But as the UK Parliament are set to vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next week, Picardo maintained that Gibraltar is ‘duty bound’ to ‘make the most’ of Brexit.

Gibraltar is set to leave the European Union with the UK on March 29.

BREXIT: Gibraltar is set to leave the European Union on March 29

Meanwhile, there were many other domestic policies, reforms and other pieces of information, in the Chief Minister’s message, which can be found here.

The Rock’s leader ended his message by saying: “On behalf of my wife Justine and our children, Sebastian, Oliver and Valentina, and on behalf of all of my ministerial colleagues and their families, let me wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2019.”

Five key points from Picardo’s message:

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