Madam Speaker,

As I rise today for my contribution on the motion I would like to begin by thanking the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, the Attorney General and the rest of the team for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice over the past 5 years.

Indeed madam speaker, during a recent contribution to this House, I stated that “today, I sit in Cabinet humbled by the trust placed upon me by our community, alongside political giants like Sir Joe Bossano, Dr Joseph Garcia and Fabian Picardo, leaders who have been instrumental in defending Gibraltar and shaping the way of life we all cherish”. It is evident Madam Speaker that Today they are still defending Gibraltar and the way of life we all cherish.

Madam Speaker, no one in suggesting that the Treaty is perfect, but we do know that we are not the only ones looking to secure our future. Indeed, the EU Council gave a negotiating mandate in 2014, through which Andorra, San Marino and Monaco began negotiating an Agreement with the EU aimed at deepening their integration and access to the EU. Negotiations with Andorra and San Marino concluded in December 2023, yet 12 years since they began it has still not been ratified. Negotiations with Monaco faltered and were suspended in September 2023. 9 years of negotiations with Monaco and nothing to show for it, 12 years of negotiations with Andorra and San Marino, and to date nothing to show for it.

Madam Speaker, there are some who claim that they could have negotiated our Treaty better and quicker than our own negotiating team. That is hard to believe. No wonder that the father of the House, Sir Joe Bossano, said last week, and repeated today, that no one can ever negotiate for Gibraltar better than we can.

Madam Speaker, I was interviewed last year by GBC and asked about the impact of a None Negotiated Outcome on local sports. At the time I highlighted the situation where hundreds of locals travel into Spain every week to participate in training, competitions and leisure activities. Football is one such sport where hundreds of local youth train and compete every week across the border, with potential impacts on them and their families (mostly parents) if the EES were introduced and they were restricted to 90 days out of every 180. This would impact training, future development of our athletes and other areas such as the wider family unit.

Another example, Madam Speaker, is Padel, where again hundreds of local players travel across the border every week to play. The removal of physical barriers to the circulation of persons between Gibraltar and the Schengen area transforms our practical reality. With streamlined border arrangements and fluid movement, our athletes, teams and supporters can travel for competitions, training and international fixtures without restrictions. Likewise, visiting teams will find access simpler and more predictable. This strengthens Gibraltar’s ability to host sporting events and build partnerships across Europe whilst strengthening youth development.

Madam Speaker, in the field of industrial relations, the Treaty’s provisions on frontier workers and social security coordination provide certainty and legal clarity. Thousands of workers who cross daily between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar will benefit from protected rights and defined frameworks. For employers and trade unions alike, this reduces uncertainty and supports workforce stability. Needless to say, the Treaty provides security and stability to Gibraltarians and all Gibraltar residents as well.

In relation to civil contingencies, Madam Speaker, the Treaty establishes structured cooperation, institutional dialogue, and mechanisms for information sharing. In a small and densely interconnected region, that cooperation is not theoretical; it is essential to resilience.

Finally, Madam Speaker, for the fire service, enhanced cross border cooperation, strengthens security collaboration and improves preparedness. In major incidents communication and mutual cooperation save lives.

Madam Speaker this Treaty provides certainty, stability and structured cooperation strengthening Gibraltar’s resilience, protecting workers, and expanding opportunity across all the sectors of our community. Madam Speaker, my parents were born during the Evacuation and I was born, and grew up, during the closed frontier years. I want better for my and everyone else’s children. The ramifications of a No Negotiated Outcome do not bear thinking about!

It is for All these reasons Madam Speaker that I support the Motion as amended.

ENDS