2 days ago
UK agrees free movement deal between Gibraltar and Spain
The UK Government has reached a post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar, allowing free movement between the UK overseas territory and Spain.
It ends years of uncertainty for Gibraltan residents who faced the possibility of new hard-border controls, set to begin in November.
Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020.
Now under the new deal, there will be a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without passport checks for people crossing.
It is a relief for the estimated 15,000 people, over half of Gibraltar's workforce, that cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Gibraltar's chief minister met with EU and Spanish negotiators in Brussels on Wednesday, to get the deal over the line.
Gibraltar airport will now have a Eurostar-style dual border control, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials.
Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar's authorities.
While Spanish officials will take responsibility for the Schengen Area in a model that mirrors French police operating in London's St Pancras station.
The deal also includes a 'bespoke goods and customs model' for goods entering Gibraltar by land, avoiding the need for 'onerous checks'.
Foreign Secretary David 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.
"Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.
"I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.'
Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the Conservative government following Brexit.
Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal, but it remained unresolved until Wednesday.
Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would "protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty".
"Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty."
Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
