Conservative MPs say proposals to give EU border guards access to Roca airport are 'unacceptable'; Photo: iStockphoto
David Cameron risks ceding British sovereignty over “one of the most important military-strategic assets in the world” with his Gibraltar agreement, Conservative MPs have warned.
Tory said proposals to give EU border officers access to Roca Airport were «unacceptable» and that the Foreign Secretary risked a «backlash» from his own MPs if there was «any sell-out».
Gibraltar overseas territory UK, located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where it borders Spain.
For months, there have been discussions between the EU and the UK over managing the Gibraltar border now that Brexit is complete.
To keep the border open, EU officials have been asked to carry out immigration controls at the airport. Checking arrivals there will allow the Rock to join the passport-free Schengen area, eliminating the need for identity checks at the border with Spain.
This is expected to include people arriving in the territory from the UK, who will have to enter from the end of this year provide your fingerprints.
However, such plans are controversial because the airport is a joint civil-military facility that doubles as the RAF Gibraltar base. This issue is also very sensitive, since Spain has constantly asserted its sovereignty over this territory.
Last week the UK and EU issued a joint statement saying a deal was «approaching» and Lord Cameron is due to be grilled by MPs on Monday over negotiations on the European Scrutiny Committee.
The Foreign Secretary has been warned, that if the deal is agreed in its current form, he risks facing a serious backlash from Tory MPs.
A senior Conservative, who asked not to be named, said: “It worries me. The main issue is one of sovereignty and control. Half of the world's shipping passes through the Strait of Gibraltar. Therefore, it is very important that we have proper control over what happens there.
“The proposals that we have, including placing Schengen border guards at the airport, are truly unacceptable. If you do not have sole control over access to your territory, as would be the case if Schengen border officials were at the airport, then your sovereignty would clearly be compromised.
“We need to ensure the preservation of British sovereignty and the security of the Rock… If we compromise on this issue it will be absolutely disastrous simply because it is literally one of the most important military-strategic assets in the world. It's hard to think of anything more strategically important.»
The MP said the Conservative panel was «particularly concerned about this», adding: «If they feel that something is being done that will jeopardize the sovereignty of Gibraltar, it will will cause a very negative reaction.”
Lord Cameron warned he faces 'very negative reaction'; Photo: Lucy North/PA
Last week Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar's chief minister, told The Telegraph it was «wrong» to suggest the deal would «in any way affect British sovereignty» and criticized Tory MPs for wanting to «set themselves up as the great defender of Gibraltar» . sovereignty than the people of Gibraltar.”
However, a senior Conservative hit back, saying: “Picardo is talking about the sovereignty of Gibraltar. For God's sake, he is a royal advisor and knows that sovereignty belongs to Great Britain.
“The issues that concern us here — defence, foreign relations and security — are all matters that belong to the British Government and are not vested in Gibraltar. He knows it all.”
Another Conservative MP said of the talks: «Obviously any kind of betrayal is a concern… anything that gives even the slightest step or thought that we don't have complete control over who goes to the polls.»
Asked about Lord Cameron's appearance before MPs on Monday, the MP said: «It wouldn't be good publicity for him or the Foreign Office if they came out and said anything other than that.» territorial integrity is preserved.»
Meanwhile, a government source blamed the European watchdog committee for rejecting Mr Picardo's request to give evidence alongside Lord Cameron on Monday.
The source said: “It is important that Gibraltar's voice is heard in this debate » . Unfortunately, the committee will not allow the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to appear and answer questions when he wants to.”
A spokesman for the European oversight committee said it had heard from Mr. Picardo twice already and had a standing invitation to him again to give testimony later.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “As the Chief Minister of Gibraltar has said, it is incorrect to suggest that this deal in any way affects British sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over Gibraltar.
“The UK will only reach an agreement with the EU: what is the Gibraltar government satisfied with; protects the sovereignty of Gibraltar; and fully protects the activities and independence of UK military installations in Gibraltar.»
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