My Lords, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Friends of Gibraltar,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This evening, we gather under the gleaming glass crown of one of London’s most iconic buildings, not just to mark Gibraltar Day.

This year, we must do more.
We must reflect on a moment of historic significance for Gibraltar, for the United Kingdom, and for our European partners.

The UK-EU Agreement on Gibraltar—soon to be formalised as a Treaty—is the product of years of careful negotiation.
It reflects principled diplomacy.
And, most importantly, it demonstrates the unwavering commitment to the people of Gibraltar by the British Government.

It removes the threat of a hard border, ensuring fluid movement for the thousands who cross daily between Gibraltar and Spain.

It is a framework that – in equal measure –
secures our future,
protects our sovereignty,
delivers our wishes, and
affirms our identity.

Let me be clear.
This Agreement is not a compromise on sovereignty.
It is a confirmation of our constitutional position as exclusively British.
Nothing in this Treaty alters, diminishes, or represents any concession on sovereignty.

To those who whisper that this Treaty might dilute our claim, I say this: read the text when it is published to see how wrong you are.
To those who suggest ambiguity, I say: there is none.
To those who hope for erosion, I say: our Rock does not erode.

Our exclusively British sovereignty remains unchanged, unshaken, and unshakeable.

The Treaty is about people and prosperity, not sovereignty.
It is about building a future.
It is not about rewriting the past.

It ensures the continued fluidity of movement across our border with Spain – which is vital for our current economic model, our workforce, and our daily lives.
It provides a stable platform for cooperation in areas such as security and trade.
And it reinforces Gibraltar’s role as a responsible, forward-looking partner in the region.

This is a Treaty built not on patriotic sentiment, but on patriotic substance.
It reflects the maturity of our institutions.
It demonstrates the resilience of our people.
And it showcases the depth and strength of our relationship with the United Kingdom.

In these negotiations, Gibraltar stood tall.
We were not a footnote – we were a voice.
And that voice was heard because of the unwavering support of the United Kingdom.

From Whitehall to Westminster, from the Foreign Secretary to the Prime Minister, the message was clear:
Gibraltar is part of the British family, and that bond is as solid as the Rock itself.

That is why the Treaty that will emerge is a model of what can be achieved when sovereignty is respected; when dialogue is guided by mutual interest and mutual respect.

Because this Treaty represents the beating of Brexit into a ploughshare for the common benefit of Gibraltarians and those around us alike.

And so, tonight, I want to express my deep gratitude to our Ministerial colleagues in Westminster.
To the officials who have been our partners across Whitehall.
And to the diplomatic teams from the FCDO who have worked tirelessly to bring this Agreement to fruition.

Your support has been steadfast.
Your counsel invaluable.
And your commitment to Gibraltar unwavering.
Thank you.

You have also become firm friends through the long years of negotiation. A double thank you for your personal support also.

To our friends in Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps: I also say that Gibraltar values your friendship.
Thank you for joining us tonight.
And we look forward to deepening our ties in the years ahead.

My dear friends of Gibraltar:
Tonight, we celebrate not just Gibraltar Day.
We celebrate a renewed chapter in the shared story of Britain and its Rock.
A chapter defined by clarity, cooperation, and constitutional certainty.

Long may we stand together,
And so long as the Rock stands, we will stand together.

British.
Bold.
Brilliant.
Red, white and blue.
Red, white and proud.
Red, white and free.

Thank you.

ENDS