The Chief Minister yesterday invited the media to No 6 to discuss the possible implications of Tuesday’s Westminster Brexit vote.

No Surprise with Vote

The CM explained that in so far as reaction to the meaningful vote he felt that nobody was surprised when MPs roundly rejected the deal across the parliament chamber, adding that the size of the rejection by the House of Commons had not been expected as fewer numbers had been imagined even talked about which, an important point that reflected the feeling amongst a cross-section of MPs against the proposal by the Prime Minister which was mainly the issue surrounding a deal relating to Northern Ireland, where Mr Picardo pointed out was a major sticking point that required more work from Mrs May.

The CM was clear as to what he hoped would happen in the next few days ahead and what outcome he would like to see... saying:

“We hope that the UK will come to its senses, rescind the Article 50 notification and stay in the European Union! I’m sure that’s what we would all hope”

Not a Majority in Parliament for Anything

But in real terms the Chief Minister said the important thing was an ‘orderly withdrawal’ from the EU, as it was clear that presently there was not a majority in Parliament for anything, whether it is the Withdrawal Agreement or anything else.

Gibraltar Missing Its National Priorities Again

Brexit should have been the only real national issue of concern in Gibraltar yesterday; at least for the forciable future. Instead Gibraltar has once again got its ‘national priorities back to front’ and missed the whole point.

The day after the Brexit vote and with the whole of Britain and most of Europe still wrapped up, concerned and discussing how best to deal with Brexit and aftermath of the meaning vote.

So, what happened in Gibraltar? Well, the unions, supporters, politicians and everyone else who attended the demonstration, which I repeat, I totally support, especially on the issues the demonstration was organised for. What I do not agree with is the timing, including the over the top manner in which calls for public support for the demonstration was conducted. Even, while the whole of Europe was transfixed watching the House of Commons Brexit Vote a local vehicle was busy visiting estates using a public address system, beckoning or summoning the public to a demonstration.

A real sense of priority on such an immense national issue that was being drowned out with a mobile megaphone and calls to attend a union demonstration!

One wonders what makes certain politicians tick, whether it is the issues themselves or the persons behind them. Is it the song that counts, or just the singer?

17-01-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR