Gibraltar Border Deal: A newly finalised UK–EU agreement on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit border arrangements has sparked sharp political criticism in Britain, with senior Conservative Brexiteers accusing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of undermining Brexit.
The deal, which introduces dual border checks involving Gibraltarian and Spanish authorities, has been defended by Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo as beneficial and jointly negotiated with both Conservative and Labour ministers. Talks on the treaty concluded following a breakthrough on December 12, with the legal text now undergoing review before publication and ratification. The agreement has intensified debate over sovereignty, border control, and the UK’s future relationship with the European Union.
Key Takeaways on the Gibraltar Border Deal
- The UK and EU have finalised the legal text of a treaty governing Gibraltar’s border arrangements
- The agreement introduces dual border checks by Gibraltarian and Spanish authorities
- Conservative Brexiteers accuse Sir Keir Starmer of attempting to “undo Brexit”
- Gibraltar’s Chief Minister rejects criticism and calls the deal beneficial
- The treaty is undergoing legal review and EU translation before parliamentary scrutiny
Political Backlash Over Gibraltar Border Agreement
The UK–EU agreement on Gibraltar’s border controls has prompted strong reactions from Conservative MPs, particularly those who supported Brexit. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of seeking to “undo Brexit” by transferring control of Gibraltar’s border arrangements.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the Chingford and Woodford Green MP described the agreement as “a ridiculous disaster” and accused Sir Keir of “cowardly posturing” in an effort to improve relations with Europe.
“They’re using Gibraltar as a lever to get themselves back closer to Europe. He wants to undo Brexit,” Sir Iain said.
The criticism followed reporting by The Telegraph that the deal would hand the European Union control over Gibraltar’s border, including a role for Spanish border guards in deciding whether British citizens can enter the British Overseas Territory.
Treaty Negotiations and Timeline
Negotiations on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit arrangements began in October 2021 under the previous Conservative government. Talks continued for more than four years before a breakthrough was reached on December 12.
An agreement was announced in June, and negotiators from the UK, the European Union, Gibraltar and Spain subsequently finalised the legal text of the treaty. The document is now undergoing technical legal review and EU translation ahead of publication and ratification.
According to a spokesman for the Gibraltar Government, the process has moved into a “necessary technical legal scrub/review by all parties and the EU translation process.”
The spokesman added that the final treaty would be made public and subjected to full scrutiny by the Gibraltar, UK and EU parliaments as part of the ratification process.
Dual Border Checks and Entry Arrangements
Under the terms outlined in the reporting, Britons entering Gibraltar will be required to present their passports twice as part of a new dual-entry arrangement. Passengers will first be checked by Gibraltarian authorities and then by Spanish border guards acting in a Schengen capacity, including the use of e-gates.
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The Gibraltar Government has previously explained that immigration checks at Gibraltar’s airport will involve cumulative dual controls. It has also stated that Gibraltar residents cannot be prevented from returning to Gibraltar by Schengen authorities.
However, tourists entering Gibraltar will require permission from Spanish authorities under the new arrangements, a point that has fuelled political criticism in the UK.
Conservative Criticism Intensifies
The deal has drawn criticism from several senior Conservative MPs. Mark Francois, chairman of the European Research Group, described the agreement as an infringement of the rights of Gibraltarians.
“First a sell-out on Chagos and now an infringement of the rights of Gibraltarians, and that hard on the heels of paying over the odds to re-enter the EU’s Erasmus scheme,” he said.
He added that Sir Keir Starmer was attempting to reverse Brexit, stating that the Prime Minister was “not even bothering to hide it.”
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman also criticised the agreement on social media, sharing The Telegraph article and describing the deal as “yet another total betrayal by this shameful government.”
Gibraltar Government Defends the Agreement
Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo issued a strong rebuttal to the criticism, rejecting claims that the treaty undermines Gibraltar’s interests. Posting on social media, Mr Picardo described the criticism as “a very jaundiced view of what is an excellent deal for Gibraltar.”
He said the agreement had been negotiated by the Gibraltar Government alongside both Conservative and Labour ministers in the UK.
“It is an excellent deal for Gibraltar residents of all nationalities,” Mr Picardo said.
He also thanked Conservative MPs James Cleverly and Wendy Morton for their support during the negotiation process, noting that Ms Morton had travelled to Gibraltar for a briefing earlier in the week.
Mr Picardo said he had also briefed Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch during a recent visit to London and expressed confidence that the agreement would receive cross-party support.
“I look forward to cross party support for this excellent deal, which helps us avoid the many and great pitfalls that Brexit created for Gibraltar,” he said.
Response to Brexit Critics
Mr Picardo directly addressed criticism from Ms Braverman, responding to her social media post by reiterating his position.
“I was saying then, as I am saying now, that you are as wrong now as you were in June,” he said.
The Chief Minister has consistently maintained that the agreement safeguards Gibraltar’s interests while addressing challenges created by Brexit.
European Commission’s Position
A European Commission spokesman said the primary objective of the future agreement was to ensure long-term prosperity across the region.
“The main objective of the future agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region,” the spokesman said.
“This will be done by removing all physical barriers to the movement of persons and goods between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU single market and customs union.”
What the Gibraltar Treaty Means Politically
The Gibraltar border agreement has become a focal point in the wider debate over the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. While Conservative Brexiteers argue that the deal represents a surrender of sovereignty, Gibraltar’s government and EU officials have framed it as a practical solution to avoid disruption and economic harm.
As the treaty moves toward publication and parliamentary scrutiny, it is likely to remain a contentious issue in UK politics, particularly amid renewed divisions over Brexit’s long-term consequences.
Beyond Borders: Life’s Higher Purpose
Debates over borders, sovereignty, and political authority often dominate public discourse, yet history repeatedly shows that worldly power and ownership are temporary. Kings, rulers, and nations rise and fall, but human life continues its journey beyond material boundaries.
Spiritual perspectives emphasise that the core purpose of life is not limited to wealth, territory, or status, but to understanding one’s true origin and ultimate destination. Supreme God Kabir Saheb Ji taught that liberation lies in true devotion and self-realisation. In this context, Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains the path of Sat Bhakti, guiding people beyond divisions of country or region, reminding that all are children of the same Supreme Power and that inner freedom transcends all borders.
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- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
- YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
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FAQs on the Gibraltar Border Deal
1. What is the Gibraltar border deal?
It is a UK–EU agreement setting post-Brexit border arrangements for Gibraltar, including dual immigration checks.
2. Who finalised the agreement?
Negotiators from the UK, EU, Gibraltar and Spain finalised the legal text.
3. When was the breakthrough reached?
A breakthrough was reached on December 12, following an agreement announced in June.
4. What changes for British travellers?
Britons entering Gibraltar must present passports to both Gibraltarian and Spanish authorities.
5. What happens next with the treaty?
The treaty is undergoing legal review and translation before parliamentary scrutiny and ratification.
