Gibraltar ‘at the heart’ of UK’s reset of EU relations, Thomas-Symonds says
The UK Government is committed to resetting its relationship with the European Union and Gibraltar “is at the heart of this”, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK Minister for EU Relations, said on Monday.
Mr Thomas-Symonds was addressing a reception in the Gherkin building in London organised by the Gibraltar Government as part of the Gibraltar Day events.
Speaking after Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, he said the UK and Gibraltar’s “interconnected economies” and business links represented a foundation on which to build further growth “we can all enjoy”.
“As part of the UK Government's commitment to global growth, we are working to reset our relationship with our friends across Europe, to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and to tackle barriers to trade,” Mr Thomas-Symonds said.
And while the UK was not seeking to rejoin the EU, “there is nonetheless a very clear space to improve the UK's trade and investment relationship with the EU by tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade to help British businesses thrive.”
“Gibraltar is at the heart of this, with its historical geographical proximity to Europe,” Mr Thomas-Symonds added.
His comments came just hours after Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, also linked the Gibraltar negotiation to the UK’s reset of relations with the EU, which Spain fully backs.
Ahead of a meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Luxembourg, Mr Albares told reporters that Spain wants to see agreement on a UK/EU treaty for Gibraltar as part of the process of rebuilding UK/EU relations strained by Brexit.
Mr Albares, as he has done on numerous occasions, said Spain and the EU had proposed a “balanced, generous agreement in line with EU acquis” as part of the treaty negotiation.
“There is no reason why the UK should not say yes to this agreement,” Mr Albares said.
“Without that yes, we wouldn’t understand [the UK] getting close to the EU when it doesn’t accept an agreement that respects the EU acquis on the Schengen zone and the Single Market.”
The UK and Gibraltar, however, say they have also tabled equally balanced counter proposals that respect EU rules and each party’s red lines.
Mr Picardo said on Monday “the ball is now firmly in Spain’s court”, adding he hoped Madrid would agree to the UK/Gibraltar offer or propose “acceptable derivates”.
Mr Picardo said on Monday “the ball is now firmly in Spain’s court”, adding he hoped Madrid would agree to the UK/Gibraltar offer or propose “acceptable derivates”.
At the last political meeting in Brussels in September, negotiators have been working at technical level to find a solution that everyone can agree with and accept.
“I know these are significant times for Gibraltar, which stands on the cusp of a new era,” Mr Thomas-Symonds said.
“Chief Minister, I know that your colleagues, and indeed mine across government, are working exceptionally hard to conclude those negotiations on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU.”
“Together, we want to reach an agreement which provides certainty for Gibraltar's people and economy in the context of a constructive new relationship with our friends in the EU.”
“The UK will only agree to terms that the Government of Gibraltar is content with.”
“We are also prepared for what happens if we cannot secure an agreement and we are working together to ensure that Gibraltar is ready for all eventualities.”
“Whatever the outcome, the UK Government will stand with Gibraltar.”
“There may have been change of government in the United Kingdom, but there has been no change in our unwavering support for Gibraltar.”
Earlier in his speech, Mr Thomas-Symonds reflected on the “unshakeable” relationship between Gibraltar and the UK, a theme throughout the Gibraltar Day events highlighted by both UK and Gibraltar ministers.
“We are united in our common values and our shared vision,” he said.
“And as this remarkable event so powerfully brings to life, our businesses, people and governments work together in a way that is modern, respectful and mutually supportive.”
“So let there be no doubt our commitment to supporting your prosperity, your well-being and your sovereignty is as solid as the Rock itself.”
Mr Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the “interest” generated by the UK’s agreement with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands, a deal that has been criticised by the Conservative opposition.
He repeated the double-lock sovereignty assurances underscored by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a letter to the Chief Minister on National Day, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to the double-lock, Gibraltar’s British sovereignty and the right of the Gibraltarians to determine their own future.
The UK minister also highlighted the Rock’s vital strategic role for the UK military and its allies.
“Sadly, as we all know, we are living in an era of conflict and uncertainty and Gibraltar once again plays a critical role in the UK and indeed NATO's efforts to deliver security around the world,” he said.