Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar notes the statement from the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Snr Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in relation to the re-introduction of controls at Spain’s frontiers.
The Spanish State of Emergency will result in frontier crossing being permitted only for those who are returning residents of Spain, cross frontier workers and those requiring to travel for reasons of force majeur.
The restrictions will not affect the movement of goods.
The Government is satisfied that these measures are not in any way politically motivated against Gibraltar.
The measures are a development applied to Spain’s borders of the restrictions on movement applicable throughout the geography of Spain.
The Chief Minister of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: “I am satisfied that the measures being adopted are not politically motivated against us. They are the application to frontiers of what is already applicable throughout the territory of Spain to all Spanish citizens already. We have had it confirmed that workers needing to come across the frontier will be able to do so. We advise them to have copies of their employment contracts with them if possible. Additionally, we are also satisfied that there will be no effect on the supply of goods across the frontier for our supermarkets and grocers and, most importantly, for our Health Authority.”
