In Brexit Deal, Gibraltar’s Future is Unclear

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The topic of Gibraltar has recently become a sticking point in the U.K.’s Brexit deal as Spain seeks greater control over the territory. Gibraltar currently belongs to Britain, but when negotiations began, Spain saw an opportunity to reopen the discussion and at first appeared to be seeking complete control. On October 12, during the final stages of the talks, Spain changed course and now seeks joint control over Gibraltar’s airport and cooperation on crime-fighting measures against cigarette smuggling and tax evasion. Since all member states of the EU have veto power over the deal, finding a solution that both Spain and the U.K. will agree to is crucial to the success of Brexit negotiations.

Spain’s desire to take back the Rock, as Gibraltar commonly referred to, stems from a long-lasting conflict over who controls the territory. Britain won control of Gibraltar in 1713 and has maintained it since. Spain has launched numerous attacks to win back the territory, both military and social, but has always failed. Despite their continued efforts, there is little doubt where Gibraltarians’ allegiance lies: A referendum in 1968 resulted in 12,762 people voting to stay with Britain and only 44 voting to become a Spanish territory. A more recent referendum in 2002 revealed similar results. Then-Chief Minister of Gibraltar Peter Caruna stated: “There is more chance of hell freezing over than the people of Gibraltar accepting Spanish sovereignty in any shape or form.”

The United Kingdom has made clear that they do not intend to relinquish control of Gibraltar. In a discussion at the United Nations, the U.K. representative stated, “Her Majesty’s Governments of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar stand ready to engage with Spain to establish new and deeper forms of cooperation to address issues of mutual importance in the wider region,” without acquiescing to Spain’s demands completely.

Despite the clear stance of the U.K., Spain continues to push the issue because of their proximity and the number of Spaniards who work on the Rock. It would be a great political and economic boost to Spain to gain control of Gibraltar. While Spain claims that it doesn’t intend for this issue to hinder any Brexit transition deal, it does not seem ready to give up its claim anytime soon.

The debate over Gibraltar will likely impact other facets of the Brexit negotiations. A protracted fight with Spain could harm Prime Minister May’s negotiating abilities in other areas that could make Brexit easier for British citizens. With the final stages of the talks having ended on October 14, time is running out to resolve the issue.