Spain ‘turning screw’ over Gibraltar airport
SENIOR Brexiteers have warned the Government must stand firm against Spain after it “turned the screw” over changes for Gibraltar.
Border arrangements for the overseas territory post-Brexit are still being negotiated – with June the latest deadline for signing a deal.
But Madrid has demanded joint control of Gibraltar’s airport, which is partly an RAF base, saying it would not make sense to leave out “such an advantageous element” in the agreement.
The Commons’ European Scrutiny Committee has invited Gibraltar’s first minister Fabian Picardo to London to give evidence about the deadlock.
Chairman Sir Bill Cash said it had “become apparent that the Spanish are turning the screw” in the negotiations over the airport. He added: “The reality is the Spanish want to be able to have joint control of the airport.
“I’m being told we would never relinquish sovereignty but I remain uncertain about what the arrangements will be, and therefore I am deeply concerned about it.”
A temporary agreement is in place to allow workers and tourists free border passage with Spain.
An outline for a common travel area deal has been drawn up but the talks have stalled.
Former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster called for the UK Government to make sure it protects the territory. She said she was in a unique position to give advice on negotiations for smaller territories.
Ms Foster said: “Reflecting back, it is clear that Gibraltar needed more from the British government than it got. And at the time of writing, Gibraltar still does not have the border deal it needs.”
She warned that the UK must constantly work to strengthen the ties that bind it to overseas territories “or risk those ties loosening through neglect”.
And she added: “It must not be forgotten that the idea of shared sovereignty was overwhelmingly rejected by Gibraltarians when put to a referendum, with 98% of the population voting against.”
She added: “There is very little to suggest that sentiment has changed.”