Govt expects treaty text to be published this week

The Government says it expects the treaty text to be published during the course of this week.

This follows a similar statement in Brussels by the Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares.

Additionally, Number Six says it looks forward to engaging further with the business community over concerns about the short timeframe for implementation.

The Government says it looks forward to the "positive consequences of [the treaty text] being understood by all in the UK, EU (particularly Spain), and, of course, Gibraltar".

The Chief Minister said, "Although we have confidentially briefed a number of entities, and provided a full copy to the Leader of the Opposition, publication will enable all our community to see the text that the Government has agreed and which we will be asking the Gibraltar Parliament to confirm that we call on the UK to ratify".

The Government said it looked forward to engaging further with the business groups which have called for urgent action to support local businesses ahead of the treaty's implementation.

In a joint statement, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce said, "In an open letter to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Business, the business community reaffirmed its strong support for the Treaty and its clear preference for a negotiated outcome."

However, they added, "the letter warns that the compressed timetable, short three-month transition period and late confirmation of the implementation date have significantly increased the risks facing businesses, particularly in retail, wholesale, logistics, services and goods based sectors."

The GFSB and Chamber said, "With fewer than seven weeks remaining before implementation on the 10th April, this is a narrow but critical window in which practical business realities can still be addressed". 

In response, the Government says it recognises the short-term concerns of businesses, and welcomes the sector's support for a negotiated outcome.

Fabian Picardo said, "It will now be time to have a sensible debate but understanding that this is a complex issue and that we need to consider the issues carefully and dispassionately as a community and as a nation. This treaty is the result of the Brexit we did not choose, but it can become a real and positive game-changer for Gibraltar."

He said he looks forward to publishing the text by laying it in Parliament this week.