Foreign secretary David Cameron is giving evidence to MPs and members of the Commons European scrutiny over the planned treaty for Gibraltar.
Both governments are currently in the process of agreeing a post-Brexit treaty amid fears Gibraltar could become subject to Schengen area rules.
MPs warned the Brexiteer that his promise of a stronger sovereignty has failed and it could lead to a loss of control of British territories.
They are concerned Lord Cameron’s draft would leave UK citizens at the mercy of EU Frontex border guards and give them the power to turn away people from the territory.
During today’s Commons session, MPs are demanding answers to a list of key questions following evidence sessions with foreign minister David Rutley and Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo.
It comes as National Audit Office warned the Government is splashing £4.7bn in Brexit border checks system. The watchdog also found there is no clear timetable to fully implement its post-Brexit border controls.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined criticism and has slammed the Conservative Government for the way post-Brexit policies were handled, saying it didn’t turn out as people anticipated.
In full: What are MPs key concerns over the UK-EU Gibraltar deal?
- Schengen controls at Gibraltar’s airport: MPs are concerned about the introduction of rules that would restrict the free movement of UK citizens.
- Implications for residents: The Committee highlighted the significant disruption for Gibraltarians who could face checks to enter their own territory.
- New EU Entry/Exit regime: With the new EU Entry/Exit regime starting in October, there are fears over biometric registration requirements which could cause delays for travellers and workers.
- Impact on UK nationals: MPs say there is uncertainty on whether time spent in Gibraltar would count towards the 90 days for non-EU nationals in the Schengen Area.
- Military and security concerns: MP’s are worried about a potential EU border guards force that would block UK and NATO military personnel from entering the territory.
- Oversight by the European Court of Justice: There are concerns about the court having a say on border and trade matters.
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Brits will go through Schengen border checks, David Cameron confirms
Asked about border checks, the foreign secretary reveals Brits entering the territory will go through various border checks.
He says: “There is no automatic right and Gibraltar can turn you away.
“In future, you will arrive to the border in Gibraltar and go through Gibraltar checks and Schengen checks.
“The reason is that the Gibraltarians want to have a frictionless border with Spain.”
Where can I watch the session?
David Cameron is getting scrutinised by the European Committee.
Foreign secretary outlines the Government’s non-negotiable
David Cameron claims the three red lines he has set out during negotiation talks with the EU.
He says: “Every inch of the Rock must remain British.”
He claims the naval base in the territory must remain running without undermining the UK’s sovereignty.
He then adds: “We won’t agree to a deal that the government of Gibraltar doesn’t back or doesn’t find satisfactory.”
Windsor Framework red lines
David Cameron gets asked about what he talked about during negotiations over the Windsor Framework Agreement.
He says he talked about issues where there has been an agreement and areas where are still up for debate.
These include organic pet food regulation and geographical indicators.
He adds: “We kept explaining the importance of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.”
‘We must protect airspace,’ says foreign secretary
Lord Cameron claims he is working hard to make sure the UK still has control of Gibraltar airport.
He says: “We must have full control of airspace without hindrance.
“The government of Gibraltar is responsible for its immigration and customs system.
“[But] anything that happens in the airport has to have the full agreement of the UK as the sovereign power.”
‘We aim to respect what Gibraltar wants,’ Cameron says
David Cameron says negotiations are based on two goals.
He aims to safeguard the sovereignty of Gibraltar and respect the its government and his overriding aim to have a flexible border with Spain.
“It is the best way to secure their economy,” he claims.
David Cameron appears with two officials from the Foreign Office
MPs ask David Cameron whether he understands the meaning of sovereignty.
MPs are asking Lord Cameron whether the UK deal with Gibraltar safe and secure.
He says: “We don’t want anything that diminishes in any way the sovereignty the UK over Gibraltar.
“We need a clear strategy to protect our sovereignty,” Sir William Cash, the Tory chairman of the committee says.
To which David Cameron replies: “I think I understand the meaning of sovereignty which is Gibraltar is a sovereign UK territory and that shouldn’t and won’t change and in our negotiations there are three things that are absolutely paramount.
“One is the sovereignty of Gibraltar, the second is the operation of the defence facility and the third is trying to achieve a deal which is good for the people of Gibraltar and crucially backed by the government of Gibraltar.
“So those are our aims but we don’t want to see anything that diminishes in any way UK sovereignty over Gibraltar.”
Lord Cameron is minutes away from being grilled by MPs
The foreign secretary will be appearing in front of the European Scrutiny Committee to answer urgent questions about his post-Brexit relationship with the EU.
He is expected to speak from 3pm this afternoon.
