The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia returned from London yesterday after their 24-hour 'Brexit' visit, where they attended a lengthy meeting together with the Attorney General Michael Llamas. "The no deal preparations were high on the agenda in those discussions with senior officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Exiting the European Union," said spokesman.

The Chief Minister has designated the Deputy Chief Minister to deal with the logistical aspects of no deal planning and the Attorney General to coordinate the intensive legislative programme which will arise in such circumstances.

It will be recalled that the United Kingdom and the European Union concluded a Withdrawal Agreement in November. Gibraltar is a part of that Agreement and is also included in its transitional provisions. However, the Agreement requires the approval of the United Kingdom Parliament and of the European Parliament.

In the event that the UK Parliament does not approve the Withdrawal Agreement, then the United Kingdom and Gibraltar would leave the EU without a deal. The increased preparations are to implement plans to cover this eventuality.

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20-12-18 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR