Spain’s fruit and veg industry ‘blighted’ if Madrid forces No Deal Brexit with nonsense Gibraltar sovereignty claims

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.

Read our Brexit live blog for the latest news & updates

Getty Images - Getty

Spain have previously attempted to play hardball with sovereignty claims over Gibraltar during Brexit negotiations[/caption]

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.

EPA

Spanish farmers’ fears will heap pressure on PM Pedro Sanchez to push European leaders towards a compromise[/caption]

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 The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk