EU-UK Treaty debated in Commons

Following a visit to the Rock, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar believe they have been able to give reassurances that there will be support for the UK/EU Treaty in Westminster.

During a debate in Commons, MPs called for scrutiny during the ratification process.

Conservative MP, Martin Vickers who had secured the debate, said they came away with the overwhelming view that the treaty negotiations had been a success.  He added it would be regrettable if the cross party support the treaty enjoys in Gibraltar were not to be reflected in Westminster.

The familiarisation visit to Gibraltar took place in May with Baroness  Elizabeth Sloss and Martin Vickers, the All Party Group’s Vice-Chair, meeting Government Ministers, including the Chief Minister, the  Opposition Leader, Commander British Forces and the Commissioner of Police. They also paid a courtesy call on the Governor.

A report was produced following the visit.

Mr Vickers told the House, Commissioner Owain Richards recognises there are a number of issues that require “further consideration” but which the MPs feel are concerns that can be worked through.

The main area of discontent was from the business community but even then they say that although many of the retailers are not particularly happy, they recognise the overall benefits to Gibraltar.

The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wendy Morton asked for a timetable for scrutiny, saying that while no-one wanted to delay the process, supporting Gibraltar and scrutinising the Government were not competing objectives but complementary responsibilities.

And this is how the Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty, described the tone of the debate, reasonable fair scrutiny with broad support.  He said this sent a strong message of support to Gibraltar’s Parliament.

He confirmed ratification in the European Parliament would take place in the autumn right up to December, with the UK to operate under a similar timeline.  The UK and EU, together with Gibraltar and Spain, he said, are committed to fully ratifying the Treaty as soon as possible with all sides working to achieve that.  The Treaty will be provided to both Houses immediately after it's signed.

Mr Doughty confirmed the UK’s commitment to the double lock protecting the sovereignty over Gibraltar.

He echoed Wendy Morton's assertion that the agreement was beneficial for wider relationships saying the UK's relationship with Spain had improved, including co-operation in business, security and trade.  The Treaty, he said, is a crucial aspect in the UK's Reset with the EU which marked a turning point. 

Mr Doughty made reference to the Concordat which will ensure the UK can only exercise its powers in the Treaty with Gibraltar's consent and that the people of Gibraltar have the right to determine in referendum whether the Treaty should be terminated in the future.  He hoped it wouldn't get to that but said it was important to have the safeguards in place.  He quoted from a letter to the Chief Minister which said it's "...politically inconceivable that in any normal circumstances, should a democratically elected Government in Gibraltar, or indeed the Gibraltarian people, determine that this agreement does not serve their interests, His Majesty's Government would not take action."

The Treaty was widely welcomed during the debate and across political ideologies who welcomed that Sovereignty and military autonomy are protected and that  it gives certainty to Gibraltarians, providing a practical solution to the problems that have hang over the Rock since Brexit.