UK’s new Foreign Secretary has met with Spanish Foreign Minister in London

The UK’s new Foreign Secretary has met with the Spanish Foreign Minister in London today.

Jose Manuel Albares said he and Yvette Cooper discussed the new phase for Gibraltar and the Campo, and agreed to further deepen the cooperation between Spain and the UK. 

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, says he had a "very positive and constructive" conversation with Ms Cooper ahead of the meeting.

This is the first official meeting between Jose Manuel Albares and Yvette Cooper since she took office in September, and follows a phone call between the two ministers two months ago.

Posting on social media, Jose Manuel Albares said Spain and the UK are strengthening their bilateral relations following the signing of the strategic framework agreed by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Spanish Premier, Pedro Sánchez, in June.

Mr Albares said as well as the Gibraltar treaty, he and Yvette Cooper agreed to work together on support for Ukraine, European security, and peace in Gaza and the Middle East.

Ahead of the meeting, Number Six said the Chief Minister spoke at length with the UK Foreign Secretary this morning.

The Government said Fabian Picardo and Yvette Cooper spoke about all outstanding matters as work continues to finalise the legal text of the EU treaty.

Fabian Picardo said they are both fully committed to ensuring this text properly reflects the agreement reached in June and safeguards Gibraltar's interests in every respect.

He said the discussions are progressing with care and determination, adding he remains optimistic they will arrive at a successful conclusion.