Government Defends Agreement<\/p>\n
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said in the Commons on Thursday: \u00abThis treaty ensures that Gibraltar’s economy, people, and future are protected as an integral part of the British family. Working closely with the Government of Gibraltar \u2013 and agreeing nothing without their consent \u2013 we have a treaty that preserves sovereignty and delivers certainty when Gibraltar’s way of life was threatened. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar will never falter.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Doughty emphasized Gibraltar is “not joining Schengen” and welcomed parliamentary scrutiny, saying: \u00abThere is nothing to hide here.\u00bb He argued the deal would give businesses certainty to plan and invest with confidence.<\/p>\n
Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo backed the agreement: \u00abThis is a safe and secure agreement we have negotiated alongside the UK and that unequivocally protects our position on sovereignty, safeguards our economy and delivers the certainty our people and businesses need. It allows Gibraltar to look to the future with confidence, protecting our British way of life while unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Practical Implementation Details<\/p>\n
The treaty is set for provisional application at the end of the month, before full ratification. New border works between Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities have been under construction for many weeks, with Spain acquiring land for infrastructure including a new airport road.<\/p>\n
Those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face dual border controls, with Gibraltarian officials conducting one check and Spanish authorities checking on behalf of the EU. This mirrors arrangements like French police operating at St Pancras Station.<\/p>\n
The draft agreement explicitly states nothing signed “shall constitute the basis for any assertion or denial of sovereignty” over Gibraltar. It protects UK autonomy over key military facilities, including the Ministry of Defence-run airport that hosts an RAF base and an important naval facility.<\/p>\n
Historical Context<\/p>\n
Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. In 2002, almost 99 percent of Gibraltarians rejected a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain. Talks on border rules have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020.<\/p>\n
The treaty still needs to be signed in March, then ratified and implemented.<\/p>\n
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