What UK-Gibraltar deal means as 'agreement reached over border to EU'
The UK has agreed to a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain – which will not require checks on people crossing - after Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited the disputed territory to strike a post-Brexit deal.
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It means Brits arriving to the rock will be forced to show their passports to Spanish or EU border guards when crossing the border or landing at the airport.
Currently, Gibraltar residents can cross using residence cards without needing to have their passports stamped. Spanish citizens can cross using a government ID card.
Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory.
The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Europe Minister Stephen Doughty travelled to Gibraltar on Tuesday ahead of talks to secure a potential deal with Spain.
The future of the border between the British overseas territory and Spain has been disputed since the UK decided to leave the bloc in 2016, with any deal focussing on trade and travel.
But after Lammy held talks with Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced that the UK and EU had reached a deal after years of post-Brexit wrangling.
Gibraltar will become an associate member of the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone with border security handed to the EU.
Writing on X, Mr Picardo said it was "time to try to finalise arrangements for lasting, stable relationship between Gibraltar and the EU/Spain which is safe, secure and beneficial".
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote: "Another surrender and a handover in all but name. This government consistently undermines Britain, and it is absolutely unforgivable.
"The Falklands will be next."
MP Caroline Dinenage wrote: “Call me a cynic but it’s notable that this slipped out just as Parliament has gathered to hear the Spending Review”
The post-Brexit deal will now see the UK hand ownership of the border, separating the disputed territory from Spain, to Europe, with Gibraltar joining the bloc’s Schengen free-movement zone.
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