Britain in the 18th century,
Since being handed over to Britain in the 18th century, Brits have been flocking to Gibraltar to enjoy its southern Mediterranean climate, low taxes, cheap drinks and practically zero crime and illegal immigration.
The British Overseas Territory (BOT) on the southern coast of Spain is renowned for its British-style pubs and cheap alcohol prices, which are generally cheaper than in the UK due to its duty-free status.
Prices for a pint can be quite low, with some pubs offering happy hour deals, such as £2.95 per pint.
Food prices in pubs for typical pub grub, such as fish and chips or cottage pie, are also generally considered reasonable and excellent value for money compared to many hotspots on the UK mainland.
However, due to Keir Starmer’s “sellout” after Brexit, many locals fear that this much-loved way of life is “under threat.”
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister finalized a UK-EU post-Brexit deal for Gibraltar.
This deal will create a “fluid border” by shifting checks to Gibraltar’s airport and port. This effectively integrates Gibraltar with the Schengen Area.
The agreement means that Spanish and EU authorities will carry out border checks for entry into EU territory.
Under the agreement, British tourists entering Gibraltar will have to show their passport twice, once to a Gibraltarian and then to a Spanish guard.
This is part of the “dual” entry system, which former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has condemned as a “ridiculous disaster.”
Residents have shared their frustrations and concerns about Starmer’s new deal, with many worried that criminals will take advantage of it and destroy the low crime rates.
Tony ‘Dale’ Farmer, who runs the Quarterdeck Tavern, decorated with Union and St George flags, said to Sun, “I like the border because it keeps the conflict away.
You look at Spain and all their problems and think, Why would we want to bring it here?”
A mother of two and 33-year-old customer service worker, Zyja Poggio, said Gibraltar is “the best place to live in the world” currently: ”
“The children can walk themselves to school, and I can go jogging at 3 in the morning without fearing my safety.”
“But once the border opens, anyone can come and go and that worries me because our way of life will be at risk.”
Recent data shows that there has been a significant influx of Britons moving to Gibraltar, with at least 3,000 new resident permits granted in just three months.
UK citizens now make up a large proportion of the total population, around 10,000 to 13,000 people, or about 30 to 40%.
However, the popularity of the inquiry became so intense that Prime Minister Fabian Picardo was forced to suspend new applications from the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA) in October.
