Labour has been accused of a “surrender” to the European Union over the future of Gibraltar. EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed a deal for a fluid border which has triggered alarm in the UK.
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform, said: “Once again this Labour Government have shown utter disregard for our overseas territories. This is another surrender. This is the second time in a month that Labour have folded in a deal with the EU.
“Labour can’t be trusted to protect British interests.”
It is understood checks will not be required on people crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border. The breakthrough has spurred hopes a post-Brexit deal on the territory’s future relationship with the EU can now be finalised.
The EU Commission president welcomed the agreement, saying: “It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the Single Market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.”
And Gibraltarian chief minister Fabian Picardo praised the “historic agreement”.
He said: “An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement.”
More follows.