The United Kingdom government has reached an agreement after Brexit on Gibraltar, describing it as “the last unresolved important problem of Brexit.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to Gibraltar last night to talk to ministers, before heading to Brussels for the final negotiations with the EU and Spain.
According to the Government, the New Deal “avoids the need” of the controls of the people and the assets that cross the border of Gibraltar-Spain and intends to “support prosperity in the region.”
As part of the agreement, Gibraltar officials and Spanish officials will take place at Gibraltar airport at Gibraltar airport.
However, the United Kingdom government emphasized that “immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will continue to be the exclusive responsibility of the Gibraltar authorities.”
Spanish officials will be in charge of maintaining the integrity of the Schengen area. The Government said that this agreement is “similar to the French police that operates at the St Pancras station in London.”
A tailored agreement was necessary because Spain continues to claim sovereignty over Gibraltar, which the United Kingdom has controlled since the beginning of the 18th century.
The successive governments of the United Kingdom, both conservative and laborious, have constantly declared that they will not give in to Gibraltar to Spain.
In his statement, the Government repeated: “Immigration, law and order in Gibraltar will continue to be the exclusive responsibility of the Gibraltar authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for guaranteeing the integrity of the Schengen area, in a model similar to the French police that operates at the Stan Pancras de London station.”
The Foreign Secretary, Lammy said: “This government inherited a situation of the last government that put the economy and way of life of Gibraltar under threat. Today's progress offers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.”
He added: “Together with the Gibraltar government, we have reached an agreement that protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows companies to plan long term once again.”
Lammy also praised Gibraltar's leadership: “I thank the prime minister and his government for his tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The United Kingdom's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the rock itself.”
(BBC)
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