House of Lords committee scrutiny over Gibraltar treaty

The House of Lords has scrutinised the UK/EU Agreement on Gibraltar - looking at its provisions for immigration checks, a customs union, and termination clauses among other areas.

The European Affairs Committee heard oral evidence from Europe Minister, Lord Wood of Anfield, and Paul Hughes, Deputy Head of the Southern Europe Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, also addressed the committee for what he said would very likely be the last time before he retires from office.

Among the questions put to him was: who takes the final decision on refusal of individual entry to Gibraltar?

The Chief Minister also answered questions over whether the treaty will reduce employment opportunities for young UK nationals wanting to move to Gibraltar.

Fabian Picardo said the premise of the question was "misconceived".

For his part, Lord Wood said "categorically, this treaty does not affect sovereignty at all".