The UK and Spain have reached a landmark agreement over Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status, eliminating routine passport checks at the land border and introducing Eurostar-style dual checks at the airport. The deal, announced in Brussels on Wednesday, resolves what the Foreign Office called “the last major unresolved issue from Brexit”.
Under the agreement, people and goods will move freely across the land border, while Gibraltar’s airport and port will see joint British and Spanish border checks. Spanish officers will be stationed at these points to enforce Schengen rules, meaning non-resident Britons could be refused entry if they have exceeded the 90-day limit in the Schengen area over 180 days.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the deal as “a practical solution after years of uncertainty”, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to Gibraltar. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described it as bringing down “the last wall” in continental Europe, while Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo called it a “historic agreement”.
The deal does not affect British sovereignty over Gibraltar, and a clause to that effect was agreed by all sides. British military facilities will remain operationally autonomous. However, Gibraltar has made concessions on taxation, including on tobacco, to address Spanish concerns over VAT exemptions.
Opposition figures have voiced caution. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said the Conservatives would “review carefully all the details”, citing Labour’s record on territorial issues. The agreement follows years of on-off talks since Brexit left Gibraltar outside the EU customs union, affecting the 15,000 people who cross the border daily.
