Hugh Elliot, Ambassador in Madrid, is back at the negotiating table in Gibraltar. Photo: Eduardo Parra/Europa Press via Getty Images
The ambassador at the center of the Dominic Raab scandal has been returned to the team negotiating the future of Gibraltar in what has been called a "sale".
Hugh Elliott, Ambassador in Madrid, was summoned to London after Mr. Raab, then Foreign Secretary, suspected that he had secretly offered to allow Spanish officials to permanently reside in Gibraltar. Mr. Elliott was then removed from negotiations on the post-Brexit Gibraltar agreement.
Mr. Raab's treatment of Mr. Elliot forced him to resign as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice after a report found that he taunted the ambassador.
But, The Telegraph has learned, Mr. Elliot is back on the negotiating team on Gibraltar's future. One senior Tory said on Wednesday: «MPs will be furious when they learn that a 'faithful' ambassador has returned to the team.»
This will inevitably raise fears that Spain will again insist that officials be permanently stationed in Gibraltar as part of post-Brexit border agreements.
The time frame was agreed on December 31, 2020 in connection with the Gibraltar Protocol on the withdrawal of troops. from the European Union, but discussions about permanent border controls are ongoing.
Foreign Office officials believe the Gibraltar talks are at a critical stage as some circles are frustrated that the Spaniards are allegedly making new demands during the talks as once at the moment when the finish line is already visible.
Spain is still striving for this. restore sovereignty over the Rock.
David Davies, former Brexit secretary, said: “If the government brought back an ambassador who was proposing an arrangement that the Gilbraltarians would consider a sell-out, does that mean they got the sell back in the negotiations?
< p>“We have a longstanding responsibility to Gibraltar to protect its sovereignty. I see no reason why the British government cannot continue to do so.”
In November 2020, Mr Raab suspected that British diplomats were in talks going beyond the agreed cabinet position that Spanish officials would not «stand on the ground». in Gibraltar.
His concerns were voiced after official reports were filtered back, suggesting that Spain was deeply disappointed by what it saw as the UK's shift in stance and misunderstandings over the deployment of its officials at the port and airport of Gibraltar.
As a consequence, Mr. Raab withdrew Mr. Elliott for an explanation as the deadline for laying the groundwork for a post-Brexit deal quickly approached.
Specific details are unclear
Specific details of what was said at their meeting , remain unclear. and the subject of the dispute. Allies of Mr. Raab complained that it was difficult for the ambassador to understand what was on offer.
Mr. Elliot was effectively removed from the front lines of the negotiations, but remained ambassador. Instead, Simon Manley, who had been British Ambassador to Spain to Spain for six years before Mr Elliott, was sent to negotiate.
Mr Elliott's treatment was investigated by Adam Tolly KC as part of a series of allegations of bullying by officials against Mr. Raab. Mr. Elliott's complaint was one of two supported by Mr. Tolly, and the most serious. Mr. Tolli said Mr. Raab's behavior amounted to intimidation and prompted him to resign.
The Foreign Office refused to discuss the ongoing negotiations on border agreements.
Spokesperson said: “UK Ministers, working closely with the Government of Gibraltar, continue to lead and guide negotiations with the EU and Spain regarding Gibraltar.
“We are working hard to reach an agreement that can help ensure future prosperity. for Gibraltar and the region.”
While Mr. Elliot is officially involved in the negotiations, the Foreign Office stressed that it is the ministers, and not civil servants, who are in charge of the negotiations and any related decisions.
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