The Overseas Territory that now sits in a unique constitutional position post-Brexit is Gibraltar. It is the only territory that is a member of the EU. It will also be leaving the EU along with the UK on 29 March 2019. Its relationship with the EU is quite different from any other part of the union, in that it is a member of the single market but not a member of its customs union nor Schengen, despite having a land border with the EU.   Few were surprised that Gibraltar voted Remain at the 2016 EU referendum, reflecting its residents’ concerns that the EU had played, at times, a role in balancing the often-fractious demands of its giant neighbour. The good life and strong economy, a beacon in an area of regional unemployment, I can but guess also played a part in its vote for no change.   Gibraltar evokes within us all a special relationship of shared values, shared struggles across the centuries and unwavering loyalty to the Crown. It occupies a unique geographical position as the gatekeeper to the Mediterranean and is one of the most important international bases for the Royal Navy. Whenever it has been presented with a choice as to its future, notably in the shared sovereignty referendum of 2002, it has rejected any change by vast margins.   However, it is the Brexit vote that must make us think anew and refresh Gibraltar’s relationship with the UK and to re-assert once more that the Rock is British and will remain so. This is best guaranteed by a closer electoral bond which would also send a clear message to Madrid as to the perpetuity of that bond.   Unlike other Overseas Territories, Gibraltar does not have an option of formal independence, which would be, however unlikely, available to others should they so wish it. The 1713 Treaty of Utrecht ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain in perpetuity, later confirmed in the 1729 Seville Treaty and the Treaty of Paris of 1783. The Treaty had a sting in that Gibraltar can only be British or Spanish, its own unilateral independence is not an option. - Extract of article by Craig Mackinlay, MP, in The House Magazine.   11-05-18 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR   Craig Mackinlay: An MP for Gibraltar would signal a lasting bond of shared interest