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Foreign ministers

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Visits Gibraltar Ahead of Brexit Deal Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has traveled to Gibraltar for further talks on a potential post-Brexit deal, marking the latest development in ongoing discussions on rules governing the border between Spain and Gibraltar. The talks have been ongoing since the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, with no agreement yet reached. Lammy is set to meet with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, followed by discussions in Brussels with European counterparts. The Gibraltar government has emphasized its preference for a lasting, stable relationship with the EU and Spain, while maintaining its British overseas territory status.

Key Takeaways:

  • Talks on post-Brexit rules for the Gibraltar border have been ongoing since the UK's EU departure in 2020 without an agreement.
  • UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Gibraltar on Wednesday for talks with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
  • Lammy will then head to Brussels for further discussions with European counterparts on an agreement over the overseas territory.
  • Gibraltar's government remains committed to maintaining its British overseas territory status, as shown in a 2002 referendum where 99% of Gibraltarians rejected a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain.
  • The UK government has stated it will not sign a deal giving sovereignty over Gibraltar to another country without the Gibraltarian government's consent.
  • The UK's strategic defence review has reaffirmed the UK's commitment to maintaining a military presence in Gibraltar and upholding the sovereignty of British Gibraltar territorial waters.

Statistics:

  • 99% of Gibraltarians voted against a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain in the 2002 referendum.
  • The UK has maintained its military presence in Gibraltar since 1713, following the cession of the territory to the UK by Spain.
  • The UK will maintain a military presence in Gibraltar to uphold its sovereignty, according to the strategic defence review.
  • UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has held talks with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo ahead of further discussions in Brussels.
  • The Gibraltar government has emphasized its preference for a lasting, stable relationship with the EU and Spain.

Sources:

  • PA (no date mentioned in the source material)
  • Alliance News (no date mentioned)

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