Gibraltarians And Expat Residents No Longer At Risk Of Spanish Takeover

A new agreement between the UK, Spain and Gibraltar will ensure Spain can’t grab the British Sovereign Territory for itself, even in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

One major concern of Gibraltarians and expats ever since the referendum result was declared has been that Spain would finally succeed in taking over Gibraltar and making it part of Spain. Up until the beginning of this month it seemed the neighbouring state might well get its way, but a new tax agreement between the three parties involved has now secured the Rock’s long-standing claim as a British Sovereign Territory.

According to an un-named source, the Rock’s British status will now be protected, with the deal regarded as sacrosanct whatever the final Brexit result. Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo is expected to publicly announce the details later this week, with both governments declining to comment until then, and Spain’s Royal Decree protecting the post-Brexit rights of British expats is now considered to also apply to expats who call Gibraltar their home.

Although positive moves by the British parliament may now be forthcoming, possibly leading to the delay of Brexit day or even a second referendum, expats in Spain and Gibraltar are now sleeping more soundly, secure in the knowledge their healthcare options are now secured, as is their residency. However, a good number may well never forgive British lawmakers for using them as cannon fodder in order to achieve purely political ends.