In an early ministerial vow, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Saturday has upheld the goevrnment's commitment to the people of Gibraltar.
He reassured Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo that the British Overseas Territory would be fully involved in discussions with the European Union over the terms of Brexit.
In talks in London Johnson said that the UK would never consent to Gibraltarians being transferred to the rule of another country against their wishes, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Within hours of the referendum outcome being announced, Spain’s foreign minister announced his country’s interest in joint governorship of Gibraltar.
Garcia-Margallo had said that Brexit created new possibilities for Spain and that he hoped the prospect of the Spanish flag flying on the Rock was much closer than before.
Co-sovereignty with Spain was rejected by around 99% of Gibraltarians in a 2002 referendum.
Johnson said in the statement: "The people of Gibraltar have repeatedly and overwhelmingly expressed their wish to remain under British sovereignty and we will respect their wishes.
"We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their wishes.
He added: "Furthermore the UK will not enter into any process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content. We will continue to take whatever action is necessary to safeguard Gibraltar, its people and its economy including maintaining a well-functioning Gibraltar-Spain border."
The majority of the 30,000 residents in Gibraltar hold British citizenship and passports. Every day, thousands of Spanish citizens enter Gibraltar for work.
The economy of Gibraltar is booming due to financial services, tourism and internet gambling. Consequently, the vast majority voted in favour of staying in the EU as they believe this is essential to their livelihoods.
Spain has long claimed sovereignty over the Rock despite granting it in perpetuity to Britain in 1713.
