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Draft UK-EU Agreement on Gibraltar
08 July 2026
Lead MP
Martin Vickers
Cleethorpes
Con
Responding Minister
Stephen Doughty
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 12596
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Martin Vickers raised concerns about draft uk-eu agreement on gibraltar in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Vickers asked for an opportunity to discuss with the Minister the concerns raised during their visit to Gibraltar, especially those related to security and the impact of new immigration rules on the university's attractiveness to international students.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Vickers detailed his concerns about the impact of proposed taxation arrangements in Gibraltar on retailers, mentioning a ceramics retailer who was planning to cease operations after 25 years due to rising costs and impositions on the ceramics sector. He also noted that the chief commissioner of the police recognised certain issues needing further consideration regarding security.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Plymouth, Moor View
Welcomes the draft agreement for preserving British sovereignty over Gibraltar while providing a practical solution to post-Brexit problems. Highlights the importance of cross-border movement and economic necessity. Emphasises legal certainty regarding sovereignty and defence. Notes potential economic benefits of £200 million annually. Raises questions on Schengen 90/180-day rule for British citizens.
Portsmouth North
Welcomed the draft UK-EU Agreement on Gibraltar, praising it for delivering certainty and practical benefits. Highlighted economic gains estimated at £200 million annually without costing UK taxpayers. Emphasised national security protections for the Strait of Gibraltar's strategic importance. Called for further details on when people can expect to see tangible benefits from the agreement.
Dulwich and West Norwood
Edward Morello praised the draft UK-EU agreement, highlighting its economic benefits for Gibraltar by allowing efficient movement of workers and goods. He emphasised that 96% of Gibraltarian goods arrive through the land frontier with Spain and discussed how the treaty protects British sovereignty and military interests while respecting Gibraltar's democratic wishes. Noted that the Foreign Affairs Committee does not hold evidence sessions for every treaty under the CRaG process, but added that the Minister and Chief Minister appeared to provide evidence which likely answered many of the questions raised during the debate.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Congratulates the hon. Member for securing the debate and questions if he agrees that cross-party support is crucial to ensure the safety and security of the people in Gibraltar.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed caution about the UK-EU agreement on Gibraltar, drawing parallels with Northern Ireland's experience under the Northern Ireland protocol. He highlighted the importance of examining the treaty thoroughly to ensure it does not compromise British sovereignty over Gibraltar. Shannon warned against allowing Spain to use EU legal machinery to undermine Gibraltar's independence and identity. Asked about Spanish officials being present at border control posts alongside Gibraltar officials to oversee work, inquiring into their influence and whether they would counteract Gibraltar's customs and border control officials.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Wolverhampton South West
Mark Sewards thanked the hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham for securing the debate and discussed his visit to Gibraltar, highlighting issues such as border delays affecting cross-frontier workers. He noted that routine passport checks causing queues would end with this agreement, improving lives of working people. Sewards also addressed concerns over tax arrangements and potential impacts on crime but emphasized Gibraltar's self-determination and support for the draft agreement.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Welcomed the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty but expressed concern over lack of parliamentary scrutiny, citing unanswered fundamental questions about timing and process. Highlighted the importance of businesses needing clarity on customs arrangements and regulatory compliance. Emphasised the need for Government transparency regarding implementation details and contingency plans. Asked the Minister for a timeline on when the treaty will be brought forward before the recess.
Government Response
Stephen Doughty
Government Response
Responded to specific points raised in the debate, thanked all contributors for reasonable scrutiny, paid tribute to those involved in the treaty process, acknowledged the importance of removing physical barriers on Gibraltar's border with Spain, emphasized the agreement's economic benefits, outlined the timeline for provisional application and full ratification, addressed military base concerns, explained dual immigration controls at Gibraltar's airport, and expressed commitment to ongoing engagement. Doughty provided assurances regarding sovereignty, military autonomy, and future scenarios involving UK-Gibraltar relations, highlighted the fluid border solution which includes dual checks at the airport, and stressed the comprehensive nature of scrutiny through pre-scrutiny and Committee involvement. He assured that the treaty will be subject to thorough parliamentary scrutiny according to CRaG process.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.