Gibraltar accepts the call to vote in the referendum

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Chief Minister and Mrs Picardo on their way to vote

HAVING been feted by high profile conservative politicians and visited by news crews from around the world, as well as the odd Spanish irritant, the people of Gibraltar were more than ready to turn out in their thousands in order to vote in the Brexit referendum.

All leaders of the local political parties made a point of voting early and made no secret of the fact that they all wanted to see Britain remain within the European Union and this appears to be the general climate of opinion within those qualified to vote.

Considering the comments made by interim Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Margallo in a number of speeches, which saw plenty of sabre rattling and dire warnings of action to negotiate over the future of the British Overseas Territory, it is hardly surprising that it is expected that Gibraltar will vote overwhelmingly to remain part of the EU.

Whilst it may be too simplistic to suggest that the Gibraltar vote could be sufficient to make the difference between staying and leaving, in a referendum where each vote carries equal weight, the people of Gibraltar can genuinely consider that they have been recognised as part of the UK as far as this is concerned.

Nearer neighbours to the UK, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man will have no say as Crown Dependencies on the outcome of the vote unless individuals hold British passports and are registered to vote, even though a decision to leave could well have adverse effects on their economies.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

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