Latest news with #FabianPicardo
Rhyl Journal
20 hours ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Gibraltar not joining Schengen free travel area under deal with EU, says Lammy
The prospect of Gibraltar 'joining' the European Schengen free travel area was 'never on the table', the Foreign Secretary told the Commons. The agreement on a 'fluid border' will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. In a statement on the agreement, Mr Lammy said: 'Residents of Gibraltar and residents of nearby Spanish communities will be able to go about their daily lives as they have done before. 'For those arriving by air into Gibraltar's airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station. 'Ignore the fake news, Gibraltar will not be joining Schengen. This was never on the table. Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities. 'For products entering Gibraltar across its land border, there will be a unique goods and customs model, avoiding the need for onerous checks at the border. 'And with this pragmatic solution, flights will be able to operate from Gibraltar airport to across Europe, driving growth and jobs for the people of Gibraltar. 'This Government is showing that a pragmatic, positive relationship with the European Union pays off for the British public.' The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 Conservative former minister Dame Harriett Baldwin asked: 'Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?' Mr Lammy replied: 'There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line. 'And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team. 'And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would be either be able to return to their country of origin, let's say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.' Deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice pressed the minister on whether Spanish border officials 'have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar'. Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system 'he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable'. 'He will be able to access his rights and the legal system that he says he feels comfortable with, which is ours, and he would be able to return to the United Kingdom, where no doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased,' he said. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged the Government to 'safeguard our defence and interest' and maintain operations of the UK's military facilities. Gibraltar's airport is run by the Ministry of Defence and hosts an RAF base. The overseas territory also has an important naval facility. Dame Priti said: 'Can he confirm that nothing will be agreed that infringes on our ability to operate the base? And will members of our armed forces be able to access Gibraltar without needing Schengen checks?' She continued: 'Our principles have been that nothing compromises or infringes on the sovereignty and constitutional arrangements of Gibraltar, it is to remain British.' Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a 'sovereignty clause' in the treaty, after both the UK and Gibraltar governments insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. He added: 'On the military base, it will continue to operate as it does today. There will be zero change. It's vital for UK national security, it's protected by this agreement, and that was a red line for us throughout these negotiations.' Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.
North Wales Chronicle
20 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Gibraltar not joining Schengen free travel area under deal with EU, says Lammy
The prospect of Gibraltar 'joining' the European Schengen free travel area was 'never on the table', the Foreign Secretary told the Commons. The agreement on a 'fluid border' will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. In a statement on the agreement, Mr Lammy said: 'Residents of Gibraltar and residents of nearby Spanish communities will be able to go about their daily lives as they have done before. 'For those arriving by air into Gibraltar's airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station. 'Ignore the fake news, Gibraltar will not be joining Schengen. This was never on the table. Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities. 'For products entering Gibraltar across its land border, there will be a unique goods and customs model, avoiding the need for onerous checks at the border. 'And with this pragmatic solution, flights will be able to operate from Gibraltar airport to across Europe, driving growth and jobs for the people of Gibraltar. 'This Government is showing that a pragmatic, positive relationship with the European Union pays off for the British public.' The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 Conservative former minister Dame Harriett Baldwin asked: 'Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?' Mr Lammy replied: 'There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line. 'And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team. 'And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would be either be able to return to their country of origin, let's say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.' Deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice pressed the minister on whether Spanish border officials 'have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar'. Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system 'he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable'. 'He will be able to access his rights and the legal system that he says he feels comfortable with, which is ours, and he would be able to return to the United Kingdom, where no doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased,' he said. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged the Government to 'safeguard our defence and interest' and maintain operations of the UK's military facilities. Gibraltar's airport is run by the Ministry of Defence and hosts an RAF base. The overseas territory also has an important naval facility. Dame Priti said: 'Can he confirm that nothing will be agreed that infringes on our ability to operate the base? And will members of our armed forces be able to access Gibraltar without needing Schengen checks?' She continued: 'Our principles have been that nothing compromises or infringes on the sovereignty and constitutional arrangements of Gibraltar, it is to remain British.' Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a 'sovereignty clause' in the treaty, after both the UK and Gibraltar governments insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. He added: 'On the military base, it will continue to operate as it does today. There will be zero change. It's vital for UK national security, it's protected by this agreement, and that was a red line for us throughout these negotiations.' Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.
Leader Live
20 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Gibraltar not joining Schengen free travel area under deal with EU, says Lammy
The prospect of Gibraltar 'joining' the European Schengen free travel area was 'never on the table', the Foreign Secretary told the Commons. The agreement on a 'fluid border' will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. In a statement on the agreement, Mr Lammy said: 'Residents of Gibraltar and residents of nearby Spanish communities will be able to go about their daily lives as they have done before. 'For those arriving by air into Gibraltar's airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station. 'Ignore the fake news, Gibraltar will not be joining Schengen. This was never on the table. Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities. 'For products entering Gibraltar across its land border, there will be a unique goods and customs model, avoiding the need for onerous checks at the border. 'And with this pragmatic solution, flights will be able to operate from Gibraltar airport to across Europe, driving growth and jobs for the people of Gibraltar. 'This Government is showing that a pragmatic, positive relationship with the European Union pays off for the British public.' The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 Conservative former minister Dame Harriett Baldwin asked: 'Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?' Mr Lammy replied: 'There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line. 'And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team. 'And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would be either be able to return to their country of origin, let's say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.' Deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice pressed the minister on whether Spanish border officials 'have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar'. Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system 'he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable'. 'He will be able to access his rights and the legal system that he says he feels comfortable with, which is ours, and he would be able to return to the United Kingdom, where no doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased,' he said. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged the Government to 'safeguard our defence and interest' and maintain operations of the UK's military facilities. Gibraltar's airport is run by the Ministry of Defence and hosts an RAF base. The overseas territory also has an important naval facility. Dame Priti said: 'Can he confirm that nothing will be agreed that infringes on our ability to operate the base? And will members of our armed forces be able to access Gibraltar without needing Schengen checks?' She continued: 'Our principles have been that nothing compromises or infringes on the sovereignty and constitutional arrangements of Gibraltar, it is to remain British.' Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a 'sovereignty clause' in the treaty, after both the UK and Gibraltar governments insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. He added: 'On the military base, it will continue to operate as it does today. There will be zero change. It's vital for UK national security, it's protected by this agreement, and that was a red line for us throughout these negotiations.' Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.
South Wales Guardian
21 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Gibraltar not joining Schengen free travel area under deal with EU, says Lammy
The prospect of Gibraltar 'joining' the European Schengen free travel area was 'never on the table', the Foreign Secretary told the Commons. The agreement on a 'fluid border' will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. In a statement on the agreement, Mr Lammy said: 'Residents of Gibraltar and residents of nearby Spanish communities will be able to go about their daily lives as they have done before. 'For those arriving by air into Gibraltar's airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station. 'Ignore the fake news, Gibraltar will not be joining Schengen. This was never on the table. Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities. 'For products entering Gibraltar across its land border, there will be a unique goods and customs model, avoiding the need for onerous checks at the border. 'And with this pragmatic solution, flights will be able to operate from Gibraltar airport to across Europe, driving growth and jobs for the people of Gibraltar. 'This Government is showing that a pragmatic, positive relationship with the European Union pays off for the British public.' The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 Conservative former minister Dame Harriett Baldwin asked: 'Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?' Mr Lammy replied: 'There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line. 'And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team. 'And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would be either be able to return to their country of origin, let's say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.' Deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice pressed the minister on whether Spanish border officials 'have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar'. Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system 'he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable'. 'He will be able to access his rights and the legal system that he says he feels comfortable with, which is ours, and he would be able to return to the United Kingdom, where no doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased,' he said. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged the Government to 'safeguard our defence and interest' and maintain operations of the UK's military facilities. Gibraltar's airport is run by the Ministry of Defence and hosts an RAF base. The overseas territory also has an important naval facility. Dame Priti said: 'Can he confirm that nothing will be agreed that infringes on our ability to operate the base? And will members of our armed forces be able to access Gibraltar without needing Schengen checks?' She continued: 'Our principles have been that nothing compromises or infringes on the sovereignty and constitutional arrangements of Gibraltar, it is to remain British.' Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a 'sovereignty clause' in the treaty, after both the UK and Gibraltar governments insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. He added: 'On the military base, it will continue to operate as it does today. There will be zero change. It's vital for UK national security, it's protected by this agreement, and that was a red line for us throughout these negotiations.' Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
The betrayal of Gibraltar: Anger at Starmer's 'surrender deal' with EU that hands Spain control over territory's border
Sir Keir Starmer was accused last night of striking another 'surrender' deal after handing over control of Gibraltar's border to the European Union. The agreement means Britons travelling to the peninsula could be refused entry by Spanish guards enforcing the EU rules – despite it being a British Overseas Territory. The arrangement was made to enable the border to fully re-open between Gibraltar and Spain, which is crossed by thousands daily living either side to get to work or visit friends and family. Britons travelling to the territory at present face an initial passport check carried out by Gibraltar officials but they would face a second check carried out by Spanish border officials on behalf of the EU. It means Britons could be rejected if they do not meet strict Schengen Area rules. For instance, post-Brexit Britons cannot stay in the EU for longer than 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. It raises the prospect of UK travellers needing to obtain an EU visa to visit a British territory if they have exceeded their 90-day allowance, or they face being refused entry at the border. A specific post-Brexit agreement, covering the territory and to keep the Spain-Gibraltar border open, was needed because, at Madrid's insistence, it was not part of the wider EU-UK trade pact struck after Brexit. It was also not included in Sir Keir's 'reset' deal unveiled last month. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and chief minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo agreed the new deal in principle in Brussels yesterday. Pictured: Lammy and Picardo in a social media clip Foreign Secretary David Lammy and chief minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo agreed the new deal in principle in Brussels yesterday. But Brexiteers warned that the Falklands could be next following Sir Keir's controversial Chagos Islands 'surrender' deal. Tory Armed Forces spokesman Mark Francois said: 'First Chagos and now Gibraltar – and then probably the Falklands, too. This Europhile, human-rights obsessed Government can no longer be trusted to robustly defend any of our overseas interests, as this further needless concession to Spain shows. 'Labour used to sing The Red Flag – now they just wave a big white one instead.' David Jones, former Brexit minister, said: 'There is no reason why British people visiting their own territory should be providing passports to foreign entities. This is contrary to Britain having sovereignty over Gibraltar. 'The Spanish have wanted to get their hands on Gibraltar ever since the Treaty of Utrecht [which handed Britain sovereignty in 1713] – it's a vitally important asset to us. 'It has thousands of our citizens living there and people visiting their own territory should not have to present passports to foreign officials.' Former home secretary Suella Braverman said: 'Another surrender and a hand-over in all but name. It is unforgivable. The Falklands will be next.' The text of the treaty is yet to be finalised and published. However, Government sources insisted 'nothing will compromise the way the Armed Forces operate' at the strategically important RAF Gibraltar military base next to Gibraltar Airport. They insisted residents of the Rock will not be affected by the changes. As well as re-opening the Spain-Gibraltar border for people, the deal also removes goods controls, allowing for them to be traded more smoothly. Mr Lammy said: 'This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat. Today's breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.' Downing Street said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had, in a phone call, congratulated Sir Keir over the Gibraltar deal, claiming 'his government had succeeded where others had failed'.
