NATIONAL READINESS ACTION PLAN TO COMBAT ‘NO DEAL’ BREXIT

INTRODUCTION: WORKING CLOSELY WITH UK TO MITIGATE IMPACT OF CHANGE

The departure of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar from the European Union will bring with it a number of challenges.

It needs to be understood that once we are no longer part of the club, we will be subject to a new regime where things are done differently.

This will affect citizens and businesses.

The UK and Gibraltar Government are working closely together in order to mitigate the impact of these changes. However, it needs to be understood that those changes will come upon exit.

The preferred position of the Government is to remain in the European Union.

However, we have spent a considerable amount of time and resources in two different work-streams.

The first is preparing to leave with an Agreement and the second on a No Deal Brexit.

It is important to make the point that this planning continues to take place against the background of political uncertainty outside Gibraltar.

STRUCTURE OF WORKING GROUPS

There is a military type structure in place with working groups reporting to and taking instructions from others above them in the chain.

These are:

(a) Brexit Strategic Group

Senior officials chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister

(b) Brexit Executive Group (BEG)

Senior officials chaired by the Chief Secretary

(c) Six working groups:

Commerce

Critical Services

Health and Social Care

Law and Order

Public Services

Supply Chain

OVER 20 BRIEFINGS TO OPPOSITION

The Brexit Select Committee of the Gibraltar Parliament

(which includes the Opposition) has been briefed on Brexit matters over 20 times.

There was a specific briefing on No Deal planning given to its Members and a separate briefing given to the Leader of the Opposition who is not a member of the Committee.

These lasted nearly two hours which reflects the amount of detail imparted.

Every meeting has ended with the Government asking for any comments, views, suggestions or ideas on any matter.

These have been conducted in a positive and constructive spirit.

The meticulous planning that has taken place and the disproportionate volume of work generated by Brexit was obvious to all present.

PART TWO MONDAY

30-08-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR