Lammy in talks with Gibraltar over EU deal
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has landed in Gibraltar ahead of a potential post-Brexit deal with the European Union (EU) and Spain.
The future of the border between the British Overseas Territory and Spain has been disputed since the UK decided to leave the bloc in 2016, with any deal focussing on trade and travel.
Mr Lammy has held talks with the Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo, members of the opposition, and business leaders ahead of travelling to Brussels today to meet EU ministers.
The territory, which has had British governance since 1713, is strategically important for the UK due to its positioning on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsular, at the entrance to the Mediterranean from the Atlantic ocean and opposite North Africa.
Spain, which is part of the EU Schengen area, has long-disputed the UK's ownership of the territory and the 38,000 population voted heavily to stay in the EU back in 2016.
Mr Lammy landed overnight in Gibraltar with the last ministerial visit back in March 2021 and ministers have previously stated that no deal will be agreed without the support of the self-governing Gibraltarian government.
A Foreign Office source said: 'We're working to secure an agreement that works for the people and businesses in Gibraltar.
'An agreement that will protect British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the future.'
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