UK Finalises Post-Brexit Gibraltar Deal Preserving Sovereignty, Border Controls

The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, has reached a post-Brexit agreement with the EU and Spain on Gibraltar, aimed at securing the territory's British sovereignty while facilitating smooth border crossings. The deal removes physical checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border by establishing dual border controls at Gibraltar's airport and port, with both Gibraltar and Spanish officials conducting checks, similar to the system at London's St Pancras station for Eurostar passengers. Despite Spanish officials overseeing Schengen area integrity, immigration, policing, and justice in Gibraltar will remain under Gibraltar's jurisdiction, and the UK reiterated that Gibraltar will not join the Schengen free travel area. The agreement seeks to promote regional prosperity, legal certainty, and close cooperation between Gibraltar and Spanish authorities, while addressing longstanding Brexit-related border issues. Some UK politicians and commentators have expressed concerns about sovereignty and warned against any perceived surrender of control, referencing past controversies like the Chagos Islands. Overall, the deal is seen as a practical solution to years of uncertainty, balancing territorial sovereignty with the need for efficient border management and economic stability.