Spain has threatened to shut down Gibraltar over the Brexit issue – on the day after Britain leaves the EU, if that’s what the voters decide.
The country has been upset over the disputed peninsula and claims it may forego their obligations to the territory if Britain leaves the European Union, as reported by The Express.
A move to isolate Gibraltar could cause an escalation in tensions because currently Britain’s membership in the EU forces Spain to recognize the free movement of capital, goods and labor.
Branded merchandise is seen in the office of pro-Brexit group pressure group “Leave.eu” in London, Britain February 12, 2016. REUTERS/Neil Hall
“We could even close the border if we wanted,” said one Spanish source.
Spain has wanted Gibraltar back since it ceded the territory in 1713 to the British. It is dependent on its economy, which relies on access to the EU’s single market. The EU allows approved firms there to also do business in any other nation. But if Britain’s decide to exit the EU, many fear the region would collapse since it already suffers from high unemployment – about 40 percent.
Gibraltar needs Spain for land access to Europe. About 10,000 people cross daily for work.
“I’m very concerned that a Brexit would mean that our current economic model would not be sustainable,” said chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo.
The head of the Vote Leave campaign said Brexit has nothing to do with Gibraltar.
“Our membership of EU is not to protect us from Spanish irrationality: the country already ignores rules of Gibraltar so you have to ask are we any better in the EU?” said Rob Oxley.
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