Spain Imposes Border Controls at Gibraltar

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has condemned Spain's sudden reintroduction of passport controls at the La Verja crossing, which requires Gibraltarians to have their passports stamped, citing it as an unjustified pressure tactic. The Spanish government claims this measure aims to determine the residency of individuals from Gibraltar, particularly those who may be living in Spain while working in Gibraltar. Picardo announced that Gibraltar would reciprocate with its own border controls unless Spain reverted to the previous arrangement by the following morning. Moreover, tensions are escalating as Spain insists on a 'generous' post-Brexit deal that would permit Spanish troops to be stationed in Gibraltar, threatening a hard border if the UK does not comply. This situation complicates the dynamics of UK-EU negotiations and raises concerns for the local economies dependent on cross-border movement. The deadline for a resolution is set for November 10, coinciding with new EU border regulations that could further restrict movement between Gibraltar and Spain.