- UK signs Treaty with EU which delivers economic and trade
certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar, while
safeguarding British sovereignty and protecting UK military
operations.
- Agreement brings fluidity for people and goods crossing the
Gibraltar-Spain border to support economic growth and jobs in the
region.
- Treaty has the full backing of Chief Minister of Gibraltar,
and his Government, and the Gibraltar Parliament backed
unanimously. The Government of Gibraltar were at the heart of
negotiations throughout.
Gibraltar's long-term economic future and interests have been
secured, following the signing of the historic UK-EU Treaty on
Gibraltar in Brussels today (14 July), in the presence of the
Chief Minister of Gibraltar and the Foreign Minister of Spain.
The historic Treaty, signed on behalf of the UK by Minister of
State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories
, delivers economic and
trade certainty for the people and businesses of Gibraltar,
safeguards British sovereignty and protects the autonomous
operation of UK military facilities.
Gibraltar was left out of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation
Agreement following Brexit, creating the prospect of a
devastating hard border' for the 15,000 people over half of
Gibraltar's workforce who cross the land border between Spain and
Gibraltar every day.
The new Treaty delivers practical solutions to avoid the need for
onerous checks and long delays at the border, providing certainty
for people and businesses in Gibraltar, and opens up new
opportunities for flights, and economic growth.
Minster of State for Europe, North America and Overseas
Territories, MP said:
This historic agreement delivers certainty for the people and
businesses of Gibraltar, protects British sovereignty, our
military facilities, and has the full backing of the Government
and Parliament of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar has been at the heart of these negotiations throughout.
A cherished part of the British family, its economic future and
thousands of jobs depended on finding a practical solution to the
challenges created by Brexit.
Our support for Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock. This
agreement opens a new chapter with the EU and Spain, supporting
jobs, growth and prosperity on both sides of the border.
Working side by side with the Government of Gibraltar, we have
secured a treaty that has the full backing of Chief Minister
Fabian Picardo, his Government and Parliament. I pay tribute to
all those whose dedication over the past two years made this
landmark agreement possible.
The Chief Minister attended the signing alongside Minister
Doughty, EU Commissioner Maro efovi and Spanish Foreign Minister
Jose Manuel Albares.
The UK and EU will provisionally apply the historic agreement
from 15 July, ensuring that its practical benefits can take
effect immediately.
