Minister for Europe (): On 14 and 15
December 2021 the UK hosted a fourth round of negotiations with
the European Union (EU) on Gibraltar, following previous rounds
in December, November and October 2021.
Talks have been constructive and are making positive progress.
Discussions have covered a range of issues within the Political
Framework agreed between the UK Government, together with the
Government of Gibraltar, and the Kingdom of Spain on 31 December
2020.
Ensuring the fluid movement of people between Gibraltar and the
EU has been the key area of discussion. Other areas have included
the movement of goods, law enforcement and criminal justice,
transport, social security coordination, citizens’ rights, and
data protection.
Negotiations with the EU will continue in the coming weeks. The
UK remains fully committed to seeking a treaty based on the
careful and pragmatic balance achieved by the Political
Framework. The UK has been clear we will not agree to anything
which compromises UK sovereignty.
We are, of course, working closely with our Gibraltarian friends
for a solution that works for the people of Gibraltar so they can
go about their business. The UK Government and Government of
Gibraltar agreed our joint approach to negotiations at the
UK-Gibraltar Joint Ministerial Council on 29 March 2021. Since
then, we have and will continue to work closely together as
discussions with the EU progress.
The UK Government and Government of Gibraltar have also continued
work to ensure robust plans are in place for all eventualities,
including a no negotiated outcome. While the Political Framework
provides the route to a treaty it is only prudent to prepare for
all eventualities.
In parallel to the UK-EU negotiations the UK Government, with the
Government of Gibraltar, is maintaining a regular dialogue with
the Kingdom of Spain.
In December, the Foreign Secretary travelled to Madrid to meet
the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares to
discuss strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two
nations. The Ministers also welcomed the constructive nature of
negotiations between the EU and the UK, reaffirmed their shared
commitment to the Political Framework and agreed that it is in
everyone’s interest to conclude these talks in the first quarter
of 2022. The UK looks forward to hosting the Spanish Minister of
Foreign Affairs on a visit to London in the coming weeks.
