Gibraltar Government questioned on prospects for a treaty between the EU and the UK 

• Watch Parlaiment TV: Negotiations with the European Union in respect of Gibraltar
• Inquiry: Negotiations with the European Union in respect of Gibraltar
• European scrutiny Committee

Witnesses

Wednesday 24 November 2021

At 2.30pm

• Fabian Picardo QC MP, Chief Minister of Gibraltar
• Michael Llamas CMG QC, Attorney General of Gibraltar

Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and has been relying on temporary, informal arrangements to keep open its critical artery with Spain, through which thousands of workers commute and vital food and goods arrive every day.

Negotiations are currently underway to secure a binding international treaty, with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of the year. They are happening in parallel to negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In the session, MPs will explore Gibraltar’s position on the EU’s negotiating objectives, plans for EU agency Frontex to police the border with Spain as well as preparations if no deal is reached. Gibraltar’s Deputy Chief Minister and the Attorney-General will also give evidence.

A letter from UK’s Europe Minister Wendy Morton, published by the Committee last night, highlights several areas where the EU’s negotiating position on Gibraltar ‘directly conflicts’ with the joint framework for post-Brexit arrangements agreed between the UK, Gibraltar and Spain at the end of December 2020. In her appearance before the Committee in September, the Minister said she was working with Gibraltar on a possible ‘non-negotiated outcome’.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: CCO