The UK has signed a treaty with the European Union intended to provide economic and trade certainty for Gibraltar while protecting British sovereignty and UK military operations.
Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty signed the agreement in Brussels today. The signing took place in the presence of the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.
The government says the treaty addresses the position of Gibraltar after it was left outside the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement following Brexit. That situation raised the prospect of a hard border for people crossing between Spain and Gibraltar each day.
According to the government, about 15,000 people, more than half of Gibraltar's workforce, cross the land border daily. The treaty is intended to avoid onerous checks and long delays, while giving people and businesses certainty and opening opportunities for flights and economic growth.
The agreement has the backing of the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, his government and the Gibraltar Parliament, which the UK government says supported it unanimously. The Government of Gibraltar was involved in negotiations throughout.
The UK and EU are due to provisionally apply the agreement from 15 July, allowing its practical measures to begin immediately. Mr Doughty said the treaty protected sovereignty and military facilities while supporting jobs, growth and prosperity on both sides of the border.