UK Gibraltar Deal Triggers Backlash: UK ‘surrendering Gibraltar’

[Social Media]

 

Britain’s recent agreement with Spain and the European Union over the future of Gibraltar has sparked a political storm, with critics accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of surrendering British sovereignty. The controversial pact introduces Spanish border officers at Gibraltar’s ports and airport under a dual-entry system, allowing them to check passports of incoming visitors—a move some interpret as a concession that dilutes British control over the Rock.

 

The agreement, one of the final unresolved issues following Brexit, also eliminates physical checks on goods at the border, which both London and Gibraltar argue will reduce delays and boost economic flow. But political opponents swiftly condemned the presence of Spanish guards on British soil. “Gibraltar is British, and given Labour’s record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached,” said Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary.

 

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, went further, declaring the deal invalid. “No parliament can bind its successor and so this and the fishing deal are invalid. This government are the worst negotiators in history. On Gibraltar, yet another surrender.”

 

The model mirrors the arrangements seen at London’s St Pancras, where French border police operate alongside British officers. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade commissioner, celebrated the outcome as a “historic milestone,” ending years of discord over Gibraltar’s status and border management. The UK’s Foreign Office maintained that the arrangement would eliminate “onerous checks” and excessive delays at the border with Spain, which sees around 15,000 Spanish workers cross daily.

 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared the day of the agreement “a great day for the Campo de Gibraltar.” He added, “After three centuries of no progress, the EU, the United Kingdom, and Spain have reached a comprehensive agreement that benefits citizens and our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. All this without renouncing Spanish claims to the isthmus and the return of Gibraltar.”

 

However, Gibraltar’s chief minister, Fabian Picardo, firmly rejected any suggestion that sovereignty had been compromised. He emphasized the autonomy of Gibraltar in the negotiation process, having travelled to Brussels alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy to finalize the agreement. In a statement published in The Telegraph, Picardo wrote: “Make no mistake: the treaty that is now within reach is not one that the Gibraltarians have been forced to accept.” He stressed: “I am just as adamant today that this treaty will not in any way compromise British Sovereignty over Gibraltar.

 

That will be set out, black upon white, in the treaty when it is published. It is a legal undertaking given by both sides in clear and unequivocal terms. So to be clear: in this treaty we have not ceded any control of Gibraltar to any authority.”

 

Still, fears have emerged over the implications for British travellers. Under Schengen rules, visitors can only spend 90 days within any 180-day period in the zone without a visa, raising concerns that British citizens could be turned away. Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares confirmed the authority of Spanish officers in Gibraltar, stating: “Of course, the European agent, in this case it is the Spanish police, will guarantee the full integrity of the Schengen area.”

 

The UK government insisted that sovereignty remains intact and emphasized that it would retain full control over RAF and naval bases. The deal also paves the way for Gibraltar’s airport to begin handling flights from across the EU.

 

The agreement has ignited opposition not only in the UK but also within Spain. The hard-Right Vox party accused the Spanish government of legitimizing “illegal colonisation” by failing to press the sovereignty issue. “Gibraltar is a territory illegally colonised by the United Kingdom and therefore any agreement that does not provide for the full reintegration of that territory into Spanish sovereignty is illegal, illegitimate and unjust,” said Jorge Buxadé, head of Vox’s MEPs. He added, “The Gibraltar region and its inhabitants have become victims of illegality and illegal activities of all kinds originating in or destined for Gibraltar.”

 

Spain’s conservative People’s Party also condemned the deal as a missed opportunity. “The PP will continue to claim sovereignty over Gibraltar,” said party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who criticised the Spanish government for its lack of transparency during the negotiations.

 

David Lammy framed the agreement as a practical solution to long-standing issues. “Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty. Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.”

 

Downing Street struck a hopeful tone, with a spokesperson saying Prime Minister Starmer had spoken with Fabian Picardo to congratulate him. “He thanked him for his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement – adding that it was fantastic to see that it had been profusely welcomed by all sides. Both agreed that this would unlock a secure future for the people and businesses of Gibraltar, allowing them to plan for the long-term while protecting British sovereignty.” According to the spokesperson, Pedro Sánchez also congratulated Starmer, saying he “had succeeded where others had failed.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-06-13

 

 

[newbee2022]

It belongs to Spain, what else. As it is dependent economically on Spain.

It's just a rock, interesting for tourists only to see a "border" within EU 

[jippytum]

No suprise here. Starmer is happy to hand our country to Europe and any illegal immigrant who fancies a two hour dingy trip. 

[FlorC]

Gibraltar is a nato spy rock.

Doesn't really matter who owns it.

https://www.declassifieduk.org/britain-secretly-turned-gibraltar-into-major-nato-spy-base/

 

It's nice though , I was there in 1995.

[newbee2022]

29 minutes ago, jippytum said:

No suprise here. Starmer is happy to hand our country to Europe and any illegal immigrant who fancies a two hour dingy trip. 

Oh, "your" country doesn't belong to Europe?

Very interesting post 🤓🤓🤓

[JonnyF]

Labour will do anything they can to weaken Britain. 

 

Chagos. Gibralta. Probably Falklands next. 

 

They hate Britain with a passion. Classic self loathing leftists. 

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

Gibraltar is a nato spy rock.

Doesn't really matter who owns it.

https://www.declassifieduk.org/britain-secretly-turned-gibraltar-into-major-nato-spy-base/

 

It's nice though , I was there in 1995.

Nothing to be seen there. 

What you called "nice" there?

[RayC]

51 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Labour will do anything they can to weaken Britain. 

 

Chagos. Gibralta. Probably Falklands next. 

 

They hate Britain with a passion. Classic self loathing leftists. 

 

To argue that government policies are having a negative effect on the country is one thing, but it is bias, irrational nonsense to infer that any of the major parties in the UK hates the country and that a Labour government would deliberately try to weaken it.

[JonnyF]

8 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

To argue that government policies are having a negative effect on the country is one thing, but it is bias, irrational nonsense to infer that any of the major parties in the UK hates the country and that a Labour government would deliberately try to weaken it.

 

I judge people not by what they say, but by what they do.

 

Nothing Labour has done since coming to power suggests anything other than a deliberate attempt to weaken the country. Based on their actions, I believe my conclusion is perfectly rational. 

[FlorC]

16 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Nothing to be seen there. 

What you called "nice" there?

Nice to walk there , the views and even some monkeys like in Thailand.

When you come from Spain you had to cross an airfield.

 

But sorry for you , there was no soi 6.

[Purdey]

I don't know whether Britons should be that worried. If one were to blame a politician for giving away assets, look to who gave away India, Hong Kong, Singapore and countries in Africa. Those were a lot more valuable (gold, diamonds, financial center etc.) than Gibraltar.

[RayC]

23 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

I judge people not by what they say, but by what they do.

 

Nothing Labour has done since coming to power suggests anything other than a deliberate attempt to weaken the country. Based on their actions, I believe my conclusion is perfectly rational. 

24 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

 

 

I was actually giving you a free 'Get out of jail' card - you could have stated that you were using hyperbole - but you decided to double down, so I'll take you at your word that you believe this Labour administration hates the UK and actively wants to weaken it.

 

And why would it do that? Self loathing? Masochism? There are 403 Labour MPs and 22 cabinet ministers. Do you suppose that they are all self-loathing? I'd say that it's fairly short odds that at least a few of them might be arrogant narcissists.

 

And why would this collective of 403 souls actively try to weaken the UK? Given that it's unlikely that they are all self-loathing and/or masochist, the only logical conclusion can be that they are fifth columnists. Again, the odds that 403 Labour MPs, including 22 cabinet ministers, all fit into this category must be very slim: However, if that is the case, then I must profess some grudging admiration for the foreign power that is managing the operation, while at the same time, wondering why they simply don't complete the job of destroying the UK immediately, given how easy it is to infiltrate the UK political establishment.

 

Given the above, I'd suggest that the most rational conclusion for anyone who feels that this government is failing would be that it is due to their incompetence, and not anything more sinister.

 

Of course, that doesn't fit in so easily with your narrative whereby anyone who doesn't ascribe to your biased and bigoted view of the UK is considered an enemy.

[Tiger1980]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

It belongs to Spain, what else. As it is dependent economically on Spain.

It's just a rock, interesting for tourists only to see a "border" within EU 

it’s a rock with thousands of citizens who continually vote 99% to remain British rather than Spanish. How so unlike yourself.

[newbee2022]

27 minutes ago, Tiger1980 said:

it’s a rock with thousands of citizens who continually vote 99% to remain British rather than Spanish. How so unlike yourself.

Yes, I know about their benefits. Free housing, almost no taxes. Cheap petrol. Who wouldn't vote for it????

If Spain would close border....100% will vote for Spain because no business 

 

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, FlorC said:

Gibraltar is a nato spy rock.

Doesn't really matter who owns it.

https://www.declassifieduk.org/britain-secretly-turned-gibraltar-into-major-nato-spy-base/

 

It's nice though , I was there in 1995.

 

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

Nice to walk there , the views and even some monkeys like in Thailand.

When you come from Spain you had to cross an airfield.

 

But sorry for you , there was no soi 6.

Wrong.

 

There is No 6 in Gibraltar.

 

Probably you've never been than watching YouTube 

[EVENKEEL]

Been there. Interesting to see the tunnels, where cannons were mounted.

[stevenl]

1 hour ago, Tiger1980 said:

it’s a rock with thousands of citizens who continually vote 99% to remain British rather than Spanish. How so unlike yourself.

They also voted to stay in the EU. With this agreement sll seems good: for practical purposes in the EU while remaining British.

[newbee2022]

30 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Been there. Interesting to see the tunnels, where cannons were mounted.

Yeah, it's itching to get them ready to fight. Make UK great again.👍

[Watawattana]

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

I don't know whether Britons should be that worried. If one were to blame a politician for giving away assets, look to who gave away India, Hong Kong, Singapore and countries in Africa. Those were a lot more valuable (gold, diamonds, financial center etc.) than Gibraltar.

Good post.  I was in Shenzhen recently.  I took a walk around a nice park, and then up to its highest point.  There was a statue of Deng Xiaoping facing towards Hong Kong, walking in that direction to take it back from Maggie.  I had to smile at the irony.

[FlorC]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

 

Wrong.

 

There is No 6 in Gibraltar.

 

Probably you've never been than watching YouTube 

Never said there was. Learn to read.

[newbee2022]

3 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Never said there was. Learn to read.

Learn to shut up 

[FlorC]

2 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Learn to shut up 

Thanks for the advice ! 👍

[Patong2021]

The agreement in itself benefits everyone. It facilitates the flow of goods in an out of  Gibraltar, and will make it easier to get to Gibraltar without having to land in Spain and then transit to the enclave. A big win for the local economy, and a boost to tourism.

The presence of Spanish border/customs of agents in the territory is not a new concept and makes life easier for everyone. UK Border Force officers already operate in France at the Port of Calais, the Eurotunnel terminal, Paris Gare du Nord, Lille, and Calais-Frethun. They also operate at Brussels-South railway station in Belgium and Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal stations in the Netherlands.   The USA has its border and customs agents stationed inside at Shannon, Dublin, Dubai and all major Canadian airports as well as in Aruba, Bahamas and Barbados, so that travellers clear US  border security before they enter the USA. It  makes travel easier and speeds  cargo transit.

 

8 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

It belongs to Spain, what else. As it is dependent economically on Spain.

It's just a rock, interesting for tourists only to see a "border" within EU 

 

No it belongs to the UK. It was owned and controlled  by England far longer than it was by Spain. It was part of the muslim Emirate of Granada until it was captured  by the Duke of Sidonia in 1462.  He then sold it to  jewish- christian convert  refugees fleeing  Seville and elsewhere. Then in 1501 Queen Isabella of Castille claimed it.. The If Gibraltar is  part of Spain, then so too are Belgium and  Luxembourg, the Spanish Netherlands. Spain only became Spain with its war of Succession that ended in 1714. Before then, in 1704 the  Anglo Dutch fleet liberated  Gibratar and the English took possession in the War of Succession. The treaty of Utrecht which allowed the war to end recognized the English ownership of Gibraltar.

For the past 321 years, Gibraltar has been a part of England, then Great Britain and now the United Kingdom. as an overseas territory. That's  100+ more years than  a forerunner to Spain controlled it.

 

 

8 hours ago, jippytum said:

No suprise here. Starmer is happy to hand our country to Europe and any illegal immigrant who fancies a two hour dingy trip. 

 

He has not handed England  to Europe. Gibraltar remains a self governing  British Overseas Territory and its citizens  are British citizens.

 

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, I know about their benefits. Free housing, almost no taxes. Cheap petrol. Who wouldn't vote for it????

If Spain would close border....100% will vote for Spain because no business 

 

 

Nonsense.  On June 8, 1969, the fascist military dictator and crony of Adolf Hitler, Francisco franco, closed the border, and it remained shut for commercial traffic for 16 years.  Gibraltar did not fall, nor did it collapse. Despite the withdrawal of the UK from the EU in 2020, Gibraltar has remained steady and without the 100% demanding union with Spain as you claim. The people of Gibraltar like their independence.