UK and Spain agree Gibraltar deal with Eurostar-style border checks
The UK, Spain and EU have agreed a deal to finally settle Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status that will see European border officials checking Britons arriving on the Rock.
One British source said an agreement was “over the line” following talks between Foreign Secretary David Lammy, EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares in Brussels.
Minutes later, the UK and EU announced the deal, with the Government in London saying it would mean “dual border checks” for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by officials from both the territory and Spain.
A second UK source had earlier told The i Paper the deal would operate “essentially like St Pancras”, where Eurostar passengers go British passport control before having their documents checked by the French.
The idea would be that Gibraltarian officials check people for entry to the Rock via the airport, while European officials check them to ensure the EU knows who might enter its territory over the invisible Gibraltar-Spain land border – an arrangement that is crucial for the British overseas territory’s economy.
The deal, which resolves one of the final outstanding issues sparked by Brexit, also ensures “full operational autonomy” for British military facilities in Gibraltar, the Government in London said.
The UK had been pushing for British armed forces personnel to be exempt from the dual border controls.
All sides will sign a paper making “explicitly clear that the final Treaty does not impact sovereignty” on either side, while Gibraltar will also benefit from a customs deal to allow cross-border trade with Spain without “onerous” checks, and the opening up of flights from the Rock’s airport to the EU, the Government said.
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.””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.”
Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said: “I’m delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier.
“I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will 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 cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the Treaty.”
A source on the Conservative hardline Brexiteer European Research Group (ERG) source criticised the deal, claiming it could allow Spanish police to carry out “hot pursuit” into Gibraltar and surveillance to ensure any border checks are not circumvented: “Allowing Spanish and EU police and border officials to check British citizens into British territory is a clear sovereignty issue.”
A spokesman for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK said: “Once again this Labour Government have shown utter disregard for our overseas territories. This is another surrender.”
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
