Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development
Affairs (): On 31 December 2020, the UK Government, together with
the Government of Gibraltar, agreed a Political Framework with
the Kingdom of Spain on how a future agreement between the UK and
the European Union (EU) in respect of Gibraltar would function in
the interests of all parties.
This represented the first stage of the two-part process whereby
the EU would examine a request from Spain, in agreement with the
UK, to initiate the procedure for the negotiation of a separate
UK-EU agreement in respect of Gibraltar.
On 5 October 2021, the EU concluded its internal processes
necessary to begin the UK-EU negotiations. While the EU mandate
has not been published we understand it has been amended from the
Commission’s draft mandate published on 20 July 2021. Importantly
it now references the role of the European Border and Coastguard
Agency (Frontex) in delivering the fluid movement of people
between Gibraltar and the Schengen area. Both the UK Government
and Government of Gibraltar have been clear that the operation of
frontline Schengen external border checks on the territory of
Gibraltar by Spanish officials would not be acceptable.
There remain however a number of areas where the opening EU
position directly conflicts with the Political Framework agreed
between the UK and Spain. These issues will need to be addressed
in the UK-EU negotiations to ensure that the pragmatic and
careful balance of the Political Framework is maintained. The UK
is committed to working constructively to address these issues
with the objective of concluding a treaty in line with the
Political Framework. Formal negotiations began in Brussels on 11
October and further detailed conversations will follow in the
coming weeks.
The UK Government continues to work side-by-side with the
Government of Gibraltar. We agreed our joint approach to
negotiations at the UK-Gibraltar Joint Ministerial Council held
in Gibraltar on 29 March 2021. At the core is a shared aim to
secure future prosperity for Gibraltar and the surrounding
region. This can be delivered through a treaty which brings
confidence, legal certainty and stability to the lives and
livelihoods of the people of Gibraltar and neighbouring
communities.
While fully committed to seeking a treaty based on the Political
Framework, the UK Government and Government of Gibraltar are
working closely to ensure robust plans are in place for all
eventualities, including if there is no negotiated outcome.
Although confident an agreement can be reached, it is only
prudent to prepare for all eventualities. The UK will stand fully
behind Gibraltar, its people and its economy in any scenario.
We remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar and will not
agree to anything that compromises UK sovereignty.
