UK Signs Gibraltar EU Border Deal Maintaining Sovereignty

The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, has reached a political agreement with the EU to establish a 'fluid border' between Gibraltar and Spain, allowing travellers to cross by land without checks while maintaining Gibraltar's immigration, policing, and justice under its own authorities. This deal explicitly excludes Gibraltar from joining the Schengen free travel area, with dual border checks for air arrivals conducted by both Gibraltar and Spanish officials, similar to the French police presence at London’s St Pancras station. The agreement also includes a bespoke goods and customs model to avoid onerous checks at the land border and preserves the UK's full operational autonomy over military facilities in Gibraltar. The arrangement is designed to protect British sovereignty, support Gibraltar's economy, and improve connectivity by enabling flights from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations. While the deal has been welcomed by EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen as a step forward, it has faced criticism in the UK, with some accusing the Labour government of a 'surrender' to the EU over Gibraltar's future. Gibraltar’s government and residents strongly support remaining a British overseas territory, rejecting any shared sovereignty with Spain, and the UK government has committed to upholding Gibraltar's sovereignty and military presence in the region.