Tory MPs call for more clarity on Treaty as Sir Bob Neil says mood is "positive"

The Shadow Foreign Secretary and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs have written to the Foreign Secretary, saying Parliament still has not seen the UK–EU treaty on Gibraltar. They are pressing for a formal update on implementation and practical guidance for British citizens, Gibraltar residents, airlines and border authorities.

Meanwhile, the former conservative MP and former Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar, Sir Bob Neill KC, said there was positive support for Gibraltar in the UK.

In a letter dated 11th February, Dame Priti Patel and Wendy Morton say the treaty text was finalised in December, but has not been laid before Parliament for scrutiny.

They say MPs have had to rely on media reports and statements from the Government of Gibraltar, rather than receiving an official update from ministers.

The letter points to the diversion of a UK-Gibraltar flight to Málaga, and the detention and return of British passengers by Spanish authorities, saying the incident highlights the real-world consequences of uncertainty over border arrangements.

The Conservatives also express concern about sovereignty, noting that any agreement must protect Gibraltar’s jurisdiction and control, including how checks at the port and airport are carried out.

They are seeking clarity on the timetable for implementation, and on what guidance is being issued to travellers and authorities ahead of any changes.

The letter concludes by stressing that the treaty, which is said to have been finalised in December, should be brought before Parliament under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act for proper scrutiny.

The letter follows a raft of written questions Ms Morton put to the Europe Minister Stephen Doughty about Treaty arrangements for travellers to Gibraltar.

These included British Nationals Abroad, immigration, Schengen and border controls and aviation.

In his replies, Stephen Doughty referred mostly to his earlier answers on the subjects, but clarified the issue of travellers to Gibraltar.

In respect of diverted flights, he said passengers arriving in Malaga, as with all Schengen States, become subject to Schengen entry rules.

For British citizens travelling on a full British passport, the 90/180 day limit for visa‑free stays applies. Travellers who do not hold a full British citizen passport, including those with other categories of British nationality, may require a Schengen visa to enter Spain.

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Government has met in London with Lord Stirrup, the newly appointed Chair of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee, to discuss the treaty’s operational implications, with particular focus on border fluidity.

The Government says it is committed to keeping the Committee and MPs updated as the treaty progresses through Parliament.

It adds that Gibraltar’s engagement programme in London is continuing to build recognition among parliamentarians that the Rock’s unique circumstances require a bespoke solution; one that protects sovereignty, ensures legal certainty, and maintains the closest possible relationship with the EU.

Speaking after a briefing, the former chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gibraltar, Sir Bob Neill, said there was very positive support for the treaty in meetings involving members of both Houses of Parliament.

The Treaty is expected to be signed and published soon. 

However it won't be subject to scrutiny in the UK Parliament followed by its formal ratification, until its first debated in the Gibraltar Parliament and a motion is passed saying that Gibraltar is content to be bound by the Agreement. 

Parliament reconvenes on the 24th February at 10.30am