BREXIT AND THE COMMONWEALTH: THE PERSPECTIVE FROM GIBRALTAR
BREXIT AND THE COMMONWEALTH: THE PERSPECTIVE FROM GIBRALTAR The challenges that Brexit poses for a small country and how a closer relationship with the Commonwealth is the way forward.
Hon. Dr Joseph Garcia, MP is the
Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar and its Minister for European Affairs. In a re-shuffle that followed the UK Referendum on EU membership, he was also appointed Minister for work relating to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, known as Brexit.
There are no two ways about it, Gibraltar is British. It is also a part of the European Union (EU) until the United Kingdom exits. At the same time, we embody and embrace fully the British culture, traditions, values and way of life which are reflected in the Commonwealth itself. And just as 96% of voters in Gibraltar did not choose Brexit, we respect the overall outcome of the Referendum vote and are working hard to ensure that a sensible departure from the EU defends and protects our best interests. But whilst there is no conflict between our British and European identities, as we look towards an inevitably post-European future, we also look to strengthen and develop a third, non-conflicting identity: by virtue of Gibraltar’s status as a British Overseas Territory. This is our proud relationship the Commonwealth. Although we are a small community, Gibraltar is outwardlooking, modern and cosmopolitan. Like the Commonwealth, the strength of our community is in its diversity. We embrace and share the progressive and democratic values that the Commonwealth represents, and will seek to foster and strengthen ties with Commonwealth nations after Brexit. Gibraltarians are a mere 30,000 of the 2.5 billion people across 71 nations and territories who maintain this special connection. Together we represent about a third of the global population and we share a common language, culture and
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values and enjoy similar legal, political and accounting systems. And in an increasingly uncertain global political environment, many Commonwealth nations are progressively looking towards each other as natural allies and partners. In this, Gibraltar has a lot to give and a lot to gain. Since the London Declaration established the member states as “free and equal” 68 years ago, the Commonwealth remains relevant in 2017 in what it does and in the political clout that it exercises. There are huge benefits to being part of this large family of nations. Gibraltar is an eager and active participant, and has a lot to offer. We stand ready and able to provide aid in times of disasters, and support whenever it is needed. For example, the Royal Gibraltar Police, wellknown for their experience and professionalism, are often deployed to other Commonwealth nations to provide training and support. The Royal Gibraltar Regiment does likewise. Our athletes are enthusiastic and passionate participants in the Commonwealth Games, which are widely lauded as the network’s greatest success. And the University of Gibraltar this year established the first new Commonwealth scholarship scheme in 20 years. We are proud to provide these opportunities for PhD students: we want to be progressive, active members of the Commonwealth, working with our family for a productive,
sustainable future for all. The Commonwealth is a loose network more akin to an association of like-minded states than to the structured systems and bureaucratic institutions of the European Union. But that doesn’t mean that it is politically ineffectual. Gibraltar gains much politically through our participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the networking that we are able to conduct through its meetings. Indeed, at the height of Spain’s threats to Gibraltar’s sovereignty in 2013, the CPA adopted a resolution stating that the political pressure exerted against Gibraltar by Spain, including the lengthy border queues, was totally unacceptable. In addition to the numerous resolutions of support for Gibraltar and for our right to selfdetermination, EU members of the CPA also vowed to raise the issue with their respective Members of the European Parliament. Gibraltar is leaving the European Union with the United Kingdom. We do not want to leave but respect the overall referendum result. This will bring unique challenges to Gibraltar. Brexit is already complicated enough without the additional factor posed by a hostile Spain next door. A frictionless border between Gibraltar and Spain is as important to the Rock as it is to the whole region surrounding it. There are 13,000 frontier workers, who live in Spain and work in Gibraltar who have to cross the land border in and out