UK strikes 'historic' deal with Spain on Gibraltar

The UK and Spain have struck a "historic" deal to end the post-Brexit dispute over Gibraltar and ease the movement of people and goods across the border with Spain.

- Eleni Courea Jennifer Rankin Sam Jones

The Foreign Office said the agreement "resolves the last major unresolved issue from Brexit". Spain's foreign minister said it brought down "the last wall" on the continent.

Under the deal, Eurostar-style dual passport checks will begin at Gibraltar's airport and checks on goods entering the territory over land will end.

The agreement does not affect Britain's sovereignty over Gibraltar.

The Foreign Office said it included a clause to this effect agreed by all sides. British military facilities in Gibraltar will remain operationally autonomous.

However, it will apply Schengen rules to Britons arriving in Gibraltar who are not resident there, meaning they could be turned away if they have already spent 90 days in the Schengen zone over a 180-day period.

David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary, said the breakthrough "delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty" and that the UK's commitment to Gibraltar "remains as solid as the Rock itself".