Less than a year since the EU referendum, the UK once again goes to the polls in an election which will have significant ramifications for Gibraltar’s future.  

Some of our clients will be voting, others will have influence on voters, whilst the majority will just show a daily interest on the unfolding political landscape impacting the Brexit negotiations.

Here is a ready reckoner of the manifestos of the main parties in respect to Gibraltar.

Conservative

'And we will protect the democratic freedom of the people of Gibraltar and our overseas territories to remain British, for as long as that is their wish.'

They mention the Ireland border, 'We will maintain the Common Travel Area and maintain as frictionless a border as possible for people, goods and services between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland' but no mention of the Gibraltar border.

Although there is no mention of supporting the Gibraltar economy or dealing with the Spanish 'veto', the manifesto statement repeats government policy of a steadfast commitment that Gibraltar’s sovereign future is in Gibraltar’s hands. Traditionally, rhetoric from Conservative politicians robustly supports Gibraltar’s existing position.

Labour

‘We will improve engagement and dialogue with the devolved administrations and seek to ensure the final Brexit deal addresses specific concerns. In particular, Labour will ensure there is no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and that there is no change in the status of sovereignty of Gibraltar. We will also protect Gibraltar's economy and ensure that its government can continue to create jobs and prosperity in the years to come.'

They do not mention the Gibraltar border, but they are the only ones who mention protecting the Gibraltar economy. This is a welcome change to the 2002 Labour shared sovereignty plan orchestrated by Jack Straw which was subsequently quashed by 98% of the Gibraltar electorate.

Liberal Democrats

'We will fight to ensure that the priorities and long-term interests of the nations of the UK are fully taken into account during negotiations. We will oppose any moves that threaten the political stability of Northern Ireland. We will also campaign to protect the rights of the people of Gibraltar.'

An afterthought? Campaign to who? We would prefer to see a comment which states “We will protect the rights of the people of Gibraltar”.

There is no mention of the Gibraltar economy or the border.

Green Party

I couldn’t find any mention of Gibraltar at all, or the Ireland / Northern Ireland border issue.

UKIP

'UKIP will stand up for the territorial integrity of British dependencies and territories. We remain fully committed to upholding the right to self-determination of the people of the Falkland Islands who overwhelmingly wish to remain British. We will offer the citizens of Gibraltar a referendum on becoming fully British and having their own MP in the House of Commons.'

Hard not to admire the audacity of UKIP. And we would have a turn at a referendum. However, not sure we would wish for that referendum.   

To explore the manifestos further, the links are below.

Conservative

Labour

Lib Dem

Green

UKIP