In a recent statement, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed concerns regarding British sovereignty over Gibraltar following the conclusion of a post-Brexit agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union concerning the overseas territory’s future. Lammy emphasized that British sovereignty over Gibraltar remains “sacrosanct,” reassuring Members of Parliament in the House of Commons that the agreement includes a clause explicitly protecting this sovereignty.
The recently reached deal facilitates the movement of individuals and goods across the border between Gibraltar and Spain, effectively removing the existing checks that had once created friction in the area’s post-Brexit landscape. However, parliamentary discourse revealed apprehensions among some lawmakers concerning the new powers Spanish border officials would gain in relation to UK citizens arriving in Gibraltar.
For travelers heading to Gibraltar’s airport, a new protocol will necessitate passport checks conducted by both Gibraltarian and Spanish officials. This dual-check system mirrors the procedure utilized by Eurostar passengers traversing between the UK and mainland Europe via London’s St. Pancras station. Despite the easing of border controls, Lammy reassured that Gibraltar would not become a part of the Schengen Area, which encompasses 26 European nations aiming for unrestricted travel across common borders. He labeled any claims that Gibraltar would join Schengen as “fake news,” highlighting the fact that issues of immigration, policing, and justice would remain the responsibility of Gibraltarian authorities.
The negotiations regarding the border between Gibraltar and Spain have been ongoing since the UK formally exited the EU in 2020, representing a significant point of contention in the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and its EU partners. Following the announcement of the agreement, which has been termed “historic” by stakeholders in Gibraltar, Spain, and the EU, many MPs expressed approval. Lammy positioned the deal as a resolution to challenges left by the previous Conservative government’s Brexit strategy. He further noted that the agreement opens avenues for deeper cooperation with EU counterparts while simultaneously providing much-needed assurance for Gibraltarian residents and businesses.
Gibraltar stands as a small headland comprising approximately 2.6 square miles, and its border with Spain sees an estimated 15,000 individuals cross daily for work and leisure. Previously, Gibraltarian residents had enjoyed a streamlined crossing process; they could utilize residence cards without mandatory passport checks, while Spanish citizens could utilize government-issued identification. The apprehension surrounding the imminent introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit system raised fears about potential border delays affecting day-to-day activities for those commuting between regions.
Lammy articulated the necessity of a deal to prevent a chaotic situation that would require exhaustive checks on every individual and item at the border, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to economic dire straits for British citizens in Gibraltar and necessitate substantial taxpayer support. With the deal in place, Lammy stated that discussions now shift towards finalizing comprehensive legal texts to solidify the agreement’s provisions.
Opposition voices, such as those of Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, questioned the implications of the agreement on British citizens’ freedom of movement, prompting Lammy to clarify that the deal’s safety measures should ensure that Spanish border officials cannot arbitrarily deny entry to UK citizens. In addition, he promised rights for individuals facing problems at the border, including legal support and options either to return or answer inquiries in Spain.
As Gibraltar maintains its unique status under British rule, which has been upheld since 1713 despite Spanish claims over the territory, public sentiment heavily favors retaining this sovereignty. An overwhelming 99% of participants in a 2002 referendum on shared sovereignty with Spain voted against the proposition. Notably, Lammy reinforced that the operational autonomy concerning military facilities in Gibraltar would remain intact, reaffirming the significant role of the British military presence in the region.
As political sentiments diverge on the agreement, with some opposing parties decrying it as a capitulation, the path forward appears to emphasize legal finalities and ensuring transparency for full parliamentary scrutiny. The ongoing discussions are poised to shape the future relationship between Gibraltar, the UK, and the European Union, with significant implications for the citizens residing in this strategically located territory.