Gibrlatar wades in to Brexit row - WE WANT IRELAND DEAL TOO
GIBRALTAR’S chief minister has become the latest leader to demand a bespoke Brexit deal after it emerged the Government is considering a special arrangement for Northern Ireland.
Fabian Picardo said he would be open to “differentiated solutions” when the UK splits from the EU.
He joins the likes of London Mayor Sadiq Kahn, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh leader Carwyn Jones who today asked for special deals for their respective regions.
This comes after a day of crunch talks between Theresa May and European bosses ended without an agreement.
The negotiations reportedly broke down after a proposed solution for the Irish border was shot down by Mrs May’s coalition partners the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
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If differentiated solutions are a possibility, they should be a possibility for each of the relevant nations, Gibraltar included
The border deal would have effectively allowed Northern Ireland to remain part of the customs union and single market and was welcomed by officials in the Republic.
However the agreement was rejected by the DUP, with leader Arlene Foster issuing a furious statement.
She said: “Northern Ireland must leave the EU on the same terms as the rest of the United Kingdom”.
Mrs Foster went on to say her party would not accept “any form of regulatory divergence”.
However, leaders from some of the UK’s other devolved administrations wasted no time in requesting their own deals.
Gibraltar's Chief Minister Mr Picardo tweeted: “These are sensible reflections on the emerging news stories today.
“If differentiated solutions are a possibility, they should be a possibility for each of the relevant nations, Gibraltar included.
“We will await concrete news.”
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Reacting to the news no deal had been reached this afternoon, First Minister Ms Sturgeon was quick to argue there was “no good practical reason” why Scotland, and other parts of the UK, could not remain in the EU.
She said: “While I welcome the proposed commitment for Ireland and Northern Ireland – and while the particular circumstances in Scotland are distinct and separate from those in Ireland – today’s developments show very clearly that if one part of UK can retain regulatory alignment with the EU and effectively stay in the single market, there is no good practical reason why others cannot do the same.
“Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, and the Scottish Government will continue to make the case, as strongly as ever, for that democratic choice by the people of Scotland to be respected and for our place in Europe to be protected.”
London Mayor Mr Kahn also argued his city should be given a similar deal to Northern Ireland.
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After reports emerged the PM could be preparing to offer Northern Ireland a bespoke deal, the former Labour MP tweeted: “Londoners overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU and a similar deal here could protect tens of thousands of jobs.”
And Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has also demanded the same deal, arguing the Government should not play favourites with different parts of the UK.
He said: “If one part of the UK is granted continued participation in the Single Market & Customs Union, then we fully expect to be made the same offer.”
The Prime Minister is set to return to Brussels on Wednesday amid hopes a deal will be struck in time for a major EU summit on December 14.
