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In an interview with Reach-Alcance last January, expert in Public International Law Aitor Martínez predicted a soft Brexit. This was due to the fact that the European Union maintained that it was interested in having the United Kingdom as a distinguished partner, with which to maintain preferential economic relations. Despite this, he was also critical of the decision taken by the British to leave the “European Club”.
Shortly after, while division and political passions overtook the House of Commons, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, during a tribute ceremony in Los Barrios, did not rule out a new referendum at the end of this long process.
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar pointed out that he was working hard to maintain the strong economic relations that interest both parties, whether the UK’s exit from the EU happens sooner or later.
Since then, most news has been mere speculation, although all the cards are already on the table. There are people who believe that if the British people were offered a new referendum, a greater number of voters would vote to stay in the EU. This again is mere speculation, but a new referendum could also be seen as an opportunity, because every business sector fears that Brexit will bring about a no win situation.
Professor John Fletcher, Vice Chancellor of the English University of Bournemouth, has carried out two in-depth studies, one in 2011, the other in 2015, on the existing economic arrangements between the Campo and The Rock. Now, in 2019, the economic interdependency is greater than before. Fletcher concludes that both communities would be seriously affected if an unwelcome policy of isolation was applied.
Prof. Fletcher is an expert in this area, and this renowned economist continues to advise a policy of understanding to improve the welfare of citizens on both sides of the Frontier. Undoubtedly, this opens the door to a whole world to be explored, although that is now an option that is still to be decided.
