Speeches by Whittingdale.

“So you think it should have been obtained before those steps were taken.”

“A note was then circulated afterwards, saying what the decision was. Did that note simply say, “It has been decided that Lord Mandelson is to be granted clearance”, or did it say, “Despite the recommendation of UKSV, it has been decided”?”

“But if there are no checks on the border for citizens moving from Gibraltar into Spain—”

“If somebody passes the Gibraltar check but is denied Schengen approval, so can enter Gibraltar, how are they prevented from entering Schengen?”

“What happens at the port?”

“So there are no circumstances under which Spanish officials will actually be on Gibraltar soil, other than this slight shuffle at the airport.”

“What happens at the port?”

“If somebody passes the Gibraltar check but is denied Schengen approval, so can enter Gibraltar, how are they prevented from entering Schengen?”

“—or indeed vice versa, how do you stop somebody who is allowed into Gibraltar but not into Schengen?”

“But if there are no checks on the border for citizens moving from Gibraltar into Spain—”

“You just talked about what would happen if the UK Government or Gibraltar wished to terminate the agreement. However, what happens if Spain wishes to terminate the agreement? You will be aware that the Opposition parties have described this as a fiasco and there is a general election in Spain in the foreseeable future,…”

“It is reassuring to hear that there is unanimity around the issue of sovereignty not being protected, but there are elements on which you have had to reach compromise. One is around immigration controls and the arrangements whereby Spanish officials, alongside officials from Gibraltar, will conduct checks on people arr…”

“Can I ask about the next steps? When do the Government intend to begin the formal CRaG process for the ratification of the treaty, and how long is that going to take?”

“—or indeed vice versa, how do you stop somebody who is allowed into Gibraltar but not into Schengen?”

“So there are no circumstances under which Spanish officials will actually be on Gibraltar soil, other than this slight shuffle at the airport.”

“Are you confident about the attitude taken by the European Parliament?”

“Finally, the treaty requires Spanish-UK administrative arrangements to be in place. We have not examined those in detail as a Committee, but do you see any of those potentially causing any difficulties?”

“Do you intend for there to be a debate in Parliament as part of the process?”

“It is reassuring to hear that there is unanimity around the issue of sovereignty not being protected, but there are elements on which you have had to reach compromise. One is around immigration controls and the arrangements whereby Spanish officials, alongside officials from Gibraltar, will conduct checks on people arr…”

“You just talked about what would happen if the UK Government or Gibraltar wished to terminate the agreement. However, what happens if Spain wishes to terminate the agreement? You will be aware that the Opposition parties have described this as a fiasco and there is a general election in Spain in the foreseeable future,…”