Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has threatened to walk away from post-Brexit talks with Spain.
Picardo claimed he would rather walk away without an accord than sign the British Overseas Territory up for a bad agreement.
He ruled out any concessions on the central issue of British sovereignty.
The 51-year-old, who became leader of the Rock in 2011, said: “I will not do it.”
An image of Gibraltar with an inset of Fabian Picardo
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Talks between Gibraltar, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the European Union have been progressing following Britain’s departure from the Brussels bloc.
Speaking in a New Year message, Picardo said: “We remain fully committed to the process of agreeing a treaty that will govern our future relationship with the EU.”
He added: “I believe we are now really, almost there.
“I will see this through to the end. And I will bring back a safe and secure treaty or I will not bring back a treaty at all.”
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The flag of Gibraltar, flies over the Foreign Office in Whitehall, London, during Gibraltar's National DayPAPicardo stopped short of setting time limits for negotiations but acknowledged the clock was ticking ahead of elections to Brussels and Strasbourg in June.
He explained: “2024 is the year when we will finally make the determination on whether a deal can be done or not.
“In fact, I believe that in the first half of 2024, the question of Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU will be resolved.
“So we have to be ready to deal with any pressures that may come as we work through the end game of this negotiation.
“Patience and stoic calm will be our only allies as we work through this period.
Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, leaves the Cabinet Office in WestminsterPA“But, with the UK on our side, we will get to the right conclusion.”
Picardo stressed: “We cannot scupper the future of our children for the sake of short-term political advantage.
“So, let me assure you. Let me be crystal clear. There will not be any concessions on the exclusively British sovereignty, jurisdiction or control of Gibraltar or on any of the components thereof.
“I guarantee you that I will bring back a safe and secure treaty for Gibraltar. Because if it is not safe and secure, I will not bring back a treaty at all.
“I will not do it. The GSLP Liberal Government I lead will not do it. And I know you would not accept it.”
General view of the Border/Passport control crossing in GibraltarPAPicardo also defended his record, saying: “In the context of this complex, sophisticated, ongoing discussion between parties to a serious negotiation about our access to the EU, what good would that do?
“And yet, because of our hard work and diligence, and in close partnership with the UK, we are advancing this difficult and delicate negotiation to a successful conclusion.”
Gibraltar emphatically voted to stay in the EU, with 19,322 backing the Remain campaign and just 823 voting Leave.
However, residents on the Rock have been clear about views on sovereignty.
A staggering 17,900 voted against shared sovereignty between London and Madrid in 2002, with just 187 voicing support.