No threat to British sovereignty over Gibraltar deal, says David Lammy

No threat to British sovereignty over Gibraltar deal, says David Lammy

Written by: Sarah White
Political analyst

The topic of British sovereignty over Gibraltar post-Brexit has been a key point of contention, with some raising concerns over potential implications for the territory. However, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has assured that the UK’s sovereignty over Gibraltar remains “sacrosanct” following the agreement with the European Union.

The deal includes explicit protection of UK sovereignty, ensuring that checks on individuals and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border will be removed. Nonetheless, there have been worries raised by some Members of Parliament regarding the possibility of Spanish border officials denying entry to UK citizens entering the British Overseas Territory.

Travellers arriving at Gibraltar airport will undergo passport checks by both Gibraltarian and Spanish officials, akin to the system in place for Eurostar passengers at London’s St Pancras station. This arrangement allows for seamless travel from Gibraltar into Spain and other EU countries without the need for additional checks.

While there were concerns over potential inclusion in the Schengen free travel area, Lammy clarified that Gibraltar will not be joining. He emphasized that immigration, policing, and justice within Gibraltar will remain under the territory’s authorities. Talks surrounding the border rules between Spain and Gibraltar have been ongoing since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.

The agreement has been met with a generally positive reception, labeled as “historic” by Gibraltar, Spain, and the EU. Lammy highlighted the deal as a step towards closer ties with EU nations and providing much-needed certainty for individuals and businesses in Gibraltar. The completion of a legal text is the next step, with all parties committed to finalizing it expeditiously

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More