SPAIN’S huge fruit and veg industry will be blighted if Madrid forces a No Deal with nonsense claims on Gibraltar.
Its farmers fear losing trade with Britain to their Moroccan rivals if there is no Brexit agreement.
The country’s growers, who rely heavily on exports to the UK, have been warned of £180million-a-year in customs duties under World Trade Organization terms.
But nations which Britain has signed trade deals with, including Morocco, are set to enjoy much freer access to our market.
The UK is the third largest buyer of Madrid’s fresh produce.
Spanish farmers brought up fears they will be undercut by cheaper rivals at the annual meeting of its fruit and veg industry federation Fepex.
It will heap pressure on PM Pedro Sanchez to push fellow European leaders towards a compromise.
And they will tie his hands during any attempts to play hardball over Spain’s sovereignty claims over Gibraltar.
Madrid and No10 are dashing to seal an agreement that would include The Rock in any trade deal between the EU and UK.
Both also want a special pact on free movement across the border to prevent long queues.
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Liz Truss will today insist Britain can become the “ideas factory of the world” after EU constraints are lifted.
GOT a story? RING HOAR on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
