GSD & Govt clash over freedom of movement rights

The Leader of the Opposition says it is stunning that the Government hasn't even tried to seek freedom of movement rights for Gibraltar residents during treaty negotiations.

Keith Azopardi says this is a “missed opportunity”. He says he assumed the Government had tried to get this but failed, and only now it appears they didn't even try at all.

He argues the UK could have negotiated such an arrangement on Gibraltar’s behalf, allowing residents to live, work and travel within the EU without being subject to the 90-day rule that applies to most non-EU nationals.

Mr Azopardi also rejected the Government’s argument that Gibraltar could not pursue such an arrangement because it is not a sovereign state, saying the treaty itself is being negotiated by the UK for Gibraltar.

The Opposition leader added that, given the concessions he believes were made during negotiations, the Government should have higher aspirations.

The Chief Minister responded on Monday evening, saying if the Rock had obtained the right of establishment for its 38,000 residents, it would have meant giving 480 million people the right of establishment in Gibraltar.

Mr Picardo said the treaty protects Gibraltar, its identity and its way of life, and that the new residence requirements that will be published shortly are also designed to that.

He said Keith Azopardi should understand why it matters for everyone that the approach he is backing not be adopted.