Raab tells EU to ‘think again’ over Gibraltar negotiation plans
The government has tonight rejected the EU’s plan for negotiations with the UK over the future of Gibraltar, saying that it would undermine the British sovereignty over the territory.
Earlier today the bloc published its draft mandate for the upcoming negotiations, which it said “aims to have a positive impact for those living and working on either side of the border between Spain and Gibraltar.”
But in a statement foreign secretary Dominic Raab was swift to reject the proposals, saying that they broke the framework deal agreed by the UK, Gibraltar and Spain last December.
“The UK, with Gibraltar, and Spain carefully agreed a pragmatic Framework Agreement, in full consultation with the EU Commission. The Commission’s proposed mandate, published today, directly conflicts with that Framework”, he said.
“It seeks to undermine the UK’s sovereignty over Gibraltar, and cannot form a basis for negotiations.
“We have consistently showed pragmatism and flexibility in the search for arrangements that work for all sides, and we are disappointed that this has not been reciprocated. We urge the EU to think again.”
Gibraltar was not included in the Brexit deal agreed between the EU and the UK in December and a separate deal has to be agreed.
According to the European Commission, the bloc’s executive, the proposed negotiating directives “put forward solutions to remove physical checks and controls on persons and goods at the land border between Spain and Gibraltar, while ensuring the integrity of the Schengen area and the Single Market.”
They also include rules establishing responsibility for asylum, returns, visas, residence permits, and operational police cooperation and information exchange.
European leaders must sign off on the plan before negotiations can begin.