#GBCviewpoint

Описание: Although the Governor is responsible for Gibraltar’s foreign affairs, Sir David Steel says Brexit has opened up an avenue that allows Gibraltar to deal “a little bit more” with negotiations across its borders.

Speaking to GBC five weeks into his role, Sir David said there will have to be some constitutional review as a result of Brexit, as there are parts of the Gibraltar constitution which talk about the European Union.

He acknowledged the Chief Minister’s desire to look at the Gibraltar Constitution again and recognises it will have to be reviewed because of Brexit.

Sir David said Brexit has opened up an avenue for how Gibraltar deals "perhaps a little bit more" with negotiations across its borders. The four MoUs are, he says, an indication of how Gibraltar can develop its "international being", especially in discussions with Spain. The Governor told GBC these areas "may need to be looked at in the future and how we develop that".

Sir David expresses confidence about Brexit outcome for Gibraltar in first extended interview since becoming Governor
Speaking to GBC, Sir David said defence, internal security & foreign policy on the wider stage are huge matters in which the UK is perhaps equipped to fight for Gibraltar’s cause in a way that it could not by itself.

About Brexit, he said deliberations might get rocky at times given there are difficult political judgements to take. But he believes many opportunities have arisen as a result of the Brexit vote and these could benefit Gibraltar so long as the opportunities are seized.

Sir David expressed confidence the outcome will be good for Gibraltar.

GBC asked the new Governor about the sudden retirement of the former Police Commissioner Ian McGrail. Sir David said there were very sensitive issues. He said Ian McGrail dedicated an amazing amount of time & commitment to the Royal Gibraltar Police and should be commended on what he delivered.

The Governor said anyone wearing a uniform knows at some time you have to “get off the train and let somebody else drive it”. He commended Mr McGrail for recognising it was time for somebody else to take the reins.

In a 50-minute interview that will air on Viewpoint tonight, Sir David said everyone in Gibraltar has gone out of their way to give him a warm welcome. He said the British values of tolerance, understanding and inclusivity are demonstrated beyond belief in Gibraltar.