New era for Gibraltar with removal of 118-year-old border controls with Spain

Gibraltar is set to enter a new era on 15 July with the removal of its 118-year-old border controls with Spain, allowing freedom of movement between the two territories. The agreement, part of a post-Brexit deal between the EU and the UK, is expected to end long queues for the 15,000 Spanish workers who cross the border daily. Shilpi Chotrani, a commuter from Spain, called the border "ridiculous" and the change "a great step forward." The removal is anticipated to have major economic benefits for the nearby Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción, one of the most deprived areas of Spain with nearly 30% unemployment. Mayor Juan Franco noted that a third of local companies' income comes from Gibraltar clients, calling the development "historic." Gibraltarians, who voted 96% to remain in the EU in 2016, had feared Brexit would encourage Spanish sovereignty claims, but the deal is seen as a positive resolution to a decade of uncertainty.