Treaty ratification expected in early 2027, says Europe Minister

The Minister for Europe says the UK-EU treaty for Gibraltar is expected to be ratified in early 2027.

However, Stephen Doughty says all sides are working "at pace" to enable its provisional application before the EU's new Entry-Exit System comes into place on the 10th April.

Stephen Doughty responded to a letter from the Chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry.

He says the aim is for provisional application to begin next month, and comprehensive implementation to continue at pace after that.

However, he says ratification of the treaty - when it becomes legally binding - is not expected until next year.

Dame Emily had called for the UK Parliament to have the opportunity to scrutinise the detail and raise any issues of concern.

Mr Doughty says the Government believes the existing framework is appropriate to allow Parliament to carry out effective scrutiny ahead of ratification.

He said his officials had briefed Foreign Affairs Committee and Defence Committee officials, and added he's happy to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee to answer any questions from its members.