Gibraltar and Brexit debated in the House of Lords

A SHORT debate on the report entitled ‘Brexit: Gibraltar’ was held in the House of Lords on the evening of March 21 with speeches from 18 different peers, all of whom were positive in their support for Gibraltar.

Those speaking were from a number of different political persuasions covering all of the main parties and several independents and included Lords Boswell of Aynho, former Governor Lord Luce, Lord Hoyle and Lord Chidgey.

Speaking on behalf of the British government Baroness Goldie reaffirmed that the economic bonds between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar would be strengthened and maintained after exit from the European Union.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo commented after “The session in the House of Lords was deeply important for Gibraltar. Lord Boswell’s committee has done a huge service in the timely preparation of their report on ‘Brexit: Gibraltar’.

“To have additionally, secured a debate on that report a week before the formal Article 50 Notice is given, I think, is hugely beneficial to Gibraltar and has been enormously helpful in demonstrating the depth of support that Gibraltar now enjoys from all sides of the House, including the central, Crossbench, Peers who have demonstrated they care about our rights in this process.

“I am also very grateful for the response of Her Majesty’s Government, which has been unequivocal. I think this has been the first time a Chief Minister and his team has been invited to attend and sit below the bar in the House of Lords and I am very proud for all of Gibraltar that this has been the case.”