Number Six moves to counter interpretations of treaty in UK press

Number Six Convent Place has issued what it describes as a clarification following media reports in sections of the British press suggesting that the UK–= EU Treaty on Gibraltar compromises sovereignty or would result in Spanish officers “patrolling Gibraltar.”

The Government says such claims are inaccurate and fundamentally misrepresent both the legal framework of the Treaty and the agreed operational arrangements.

It says there will be no Spanish police patrolling Gibraltar’s airport or port, and no roaming presence within Gibraltar. Checks will take place only at the designated second line checks facility at the frontier, which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It stresses the port will not function as a border crossing point and there will be no additional crossing points.

The Government also rejected suggestions that UK citizens could be denied entry to Gibraltar by Spanish officials. It says Gibraltar retains full control over its own immigration and entry rules, as is currently the case. It says there has never been an automatic right of entry or residence for non-resident British nationals without compliance with Gibraltar law.

Under the Treaty framework, the Government says Gibraltar would operate within a Schengen-compatible system at the point of entry into the Schengen Area, and any refusal of entry would arise from Schengen systems rather than unilateral political action by Spain. It adds that the Treaty contains a mechanism allowing Gibraltar immigration authorities to permit entry to Gibraltar-only in certain circumstances.

The Government maintains the Treaty protects Gibraltar’s sovereignty, public finances and economic model, while facilitating smooth frontier operations for workers and businesses.

It urges the public to rely on the detailed legal text rather than political narratives.