A New Era for Gibraltar: UK and EU Forge Groundbreaking Post-Brexit Agreement

The UK has successfully negotiated a pivotal deal with the European Union regarding the status of Gibraltar after Brexit. Following prolonged discussions since the UK’s exit from the EU in 2020, this new agreement is designed to facilitate smoother transit across the Gibraltar-Spain border, eliminating the need for checks on people and goods. Under the new framework, passport checks will be conducted by officials from both Gibraltar and Spain upon arrival at Gibraltar airport. Spanish authorities will have the authority to deny entry, creating a system similar to that utilized for Eurostar passengers traveling between the UK and France.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy proclaimed the deal a “breakthrough,” ensuring British sovereignty and bolstering Gibraltar’s economy. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the territory’s situation post-Brexit, which had previously appeared bleak under prior negotiations. Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, expressed support for the agreement, denoting it as protective of British Gibraltarians’ future while maintaining territorial sovereignty. A phone call between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez resulted in a mutual understanding that the deal has the potential to nurture positive UK-Spain relations.

Gibraltar, occupying a strategic 2.6 square mile area near the southern coast of Spain, has been under British control since 1713, although Spain contests this sovereignty. The border between Gibraltar and Spain has been a contentious point since Brexit, impacting approximately 15,000 daily crossings for work and leisure. Past arrangements have allowed residents to cross using residence cards, alleviating the need for stamped passports, but the EU’s Entry/Exit system slated for implementation raised concerns about potential delays. This agreement explicitly states that the final treaty will respect Gibraltar’s sovereignty without hindering the operational autonomy of British military facilities in the territory, including the RAF base at the airport.

Public sentiment in Gibraltar remains strongly pro-British, as evidenced by a 99% rejection of shared sovereignty with Spain in a 2002 referendum. The talks saw gains after Lammy’s meeting with Picardo in Gibraltar, followed by discussions in Brussels with EU officials. Although the deal has received praise, it also faces scrutiny from political factions, with Reform UK criticizing the Labour government for perceived concessions and the Conservative Party advocating for thorough examination of the treaty text to ensure it respects Gibraltar’s sovereignty. Despite this, Liberal Democrat representatives believe the agreement is a step towards a more favorable trade relationship with the EU while calling for Parliament’s oversight in final details.