Spain sparks furious backlash after it emerged they want Gibraltar to be excluded from Brexit transition deal

SPAIN sparked a furious backlash today after it emerged they want Gibraltar to be excluded from a Brexit transition deal.

Madrid warned the Gibraltarian government they face a hard Brexit out of the EU and Single Market in 2019 — unless they engage with the Spanish government.

But Theresa May has vowed to negotiate a two year transition phase out of current arrangements.

This afternoon No10 repeated their pledge to find a solution that works for “every part of the UK family.”

Angry Rock bosses hit back accusing Madrid of being the stumbling block any negotiations, and Tory MPs accused Spain of trying to poach the Rock “by the back door”.

A Spanish source told The Guardian: “Gibraltar became associated with the EU project because of their dependence in the UK. This is going to stay until March 2019.

“In 2019 when the UK leaves the EU, Gibraltar will leave with the UK.”

They added: “This is what we are telling the Gibraltarians, if you want to have your existing status, you will have to talk with us.

“And I cannot understand why Picardo has refused to do so.”

Last night a spokesman for Gibraltarian Chief Minister Fabian Picardo responded: “Gibraltar stands ready to engage in productive technical talks with all relevant parties, in a spirit of cooperation, as we continue to prepare to leave the EU.”

They added: “It is Spain and not Gibraltar that refused to engage in these non-sovereignty related discussions in the past.”

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell added: “However hard Spain tried to use Brexit to undermine thee Rock’s sovereignty by the back door they will fail.

“They underestimate the British is Madrid thinks they will divide us from Gibraltar.”