Spain threatens 11th hour vote against Brexit over Gibraltar
‘As of today, if there are no changes with respect to Gibraltar, Spain will vote no to the agreement on Brexit,’ Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says
Madrid/Brussels — Spain will vote against the EU’s draft Brexit deal on Sunday unless it is modified to make clear that the future of the disputed British territory of Gibraltar relies on talks between Madrid and London, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Spain’s demands on Gibraltar are the latest push by EU states to obtain more on national interests ahead of Sunday’s summit of EU leaders, but diplomats said there was little concern these would scupper prospects for a deal. “As of today, if there are no changes with respect to Gibraltar, Spain will vote no to the agreement on Brexit,” Sanchez said during a conference in Madrid on Tuesday. According to EU rules, the withdrawal treaty is adopted by qualified majority and not a unanimity, so a single state like Spain cannot block it. The EU’s executive said it was aware of Spain’s concerns and it expected the issue to be resolved. A small peninsula on Spain’s southern coast and a British territory since 1713, Gibraltar is a m...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.