Mr Picardo didn’t hide the majority of Gibraltarians’ feelings over Brexit in his televised address to the UK’s overseas territory. In the 13-minute long message, the Chief Minister said Gibraltar is following the lead of the UK and is getting ready to implement no deal Brexit preparations. However, he highlighted more than once the fact Gibraltar didn't want to leave the bloc, with a staggering 84 percent of voters choosing Remain at the EU Referendum in June 2016.
Mr Picardo said: “We must ramp up the implementation of preparation for the departure form the EU without a deal.
“Because although many of us may wish that Brexit may somehow be stopped by a second referendum or an outright recision of the Article 50 notification, we must be prepared for any eventuality - and we will be, because that is the responsible thing to do.”
In his address, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister said the Rock’s Cabinet has worked alongside with the UK during the Brexit negotiations and will keep doing so in the future to shape the new relationship between Britain and the EU27 and “prepare for the opportunities Brexit can bring.”
He said: “I am determined that our work will lead to more and greater opportunities for prosperity for our people and the whole region around us in the future.
Gibraltar announced it is 'ramping up' no deal Brexit preparations (Image: GETTY/HM GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR)
“That is the determined work that the Brexit team that I lead has delivered by ensuring that Gibraltar is included in the Withdrawal Agreement if there is to be one.
