Submission on the UK applying for European Union membership for Gibraltar to the International

Commission of Labour’s National Policy Forum

The UK applying for European Union membership for Gibraltar would answer in part the question
“What should be Labour’s priorities for Brexit, and how can we most effectively shape the outcome
and hold the Government to account?” asked in the International Commission’s discussion paper.

The overwhelming majority of the people of Gibraltar voted to remain in the EU. The
overwhelming majority of the people of Gibraltar also wish Gibraltar to remain a British Overseas
Territory. The UK applying for EU membership for Gibraltar, with such membership to come into
force at the time the UK leaves the EU, would reconcile the vote of the people of Gibraltar and the
overall vote for Brexit and so avoid straining ties between the UK and Gibraltar.

There is no reason why EU membership for Gibraltar should be opposed by those in the UK who
wish the UK to leave the EU. The EU wishes to retain as many citizens as possible. The Spanish
government wishes to have control of Gibraltar, which should be opposed in accordance with the
wishes of the people of Gibraltar, and the prospect of having such control will appear more remote
to the Spanish government if Gibraltar leaves the EU. There is therefore no reason for the Spanish
government to oppose EU membership for Gibraltar.

The UK’s responsibility for Gibraltar’s foreign and defence affairs would mean that EU
membership for Gibraltar would allow the UK to retain some influence on the Council of the EU
after Brexit.

I would like to submit a proposal for the UK to apply for European Union membership for Gibraltar
with such membership to come into force at the time the UK leaves the European Union.