[ad_1]
After centuries of tensions between London and Madrid in the “British overseas territory”, the two governments agreed that Gibraltar will be part of the Schengen area to allow the border to remain open.
There will be no controls at the border between Gibraltar and Spain, but only at the port or airport for those arriving from abroad. The agreement makes life easier for citizens of the territory, 96% of whom had voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, but which does not resolve the issue of British sovereignty over Gibraltar, which Spain disputes.
With Brexit over and the Gibraltar mine deactivated, Johnson can be satisfied. The prime minister, however, knows that he faces many challenges this year. The most urgent and difficult is the epidemic, which according to the Health Minister is “out of control.” The country is locked up, deaths are increasing at a rate of almost a thousand a day while new daily infections exceed 55 thousand. The objective of mass vaccinations could collide with delays in refueling and logistical problems of distribution and administration.
The Scottish Temptation
Another problem on the horizon is Scotland’s desire to return to Europe, even choosing independence from London. The eloquent message from Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday was: ‘Scotland will be back soon, Europe. Leave the lights on. ‘
The leader of the SNP, the nationalist party, is counting on the expected victory in the May elections for the renewal of the Holyrood Parliament to call for a second referendum on independence. Brexit, strongly rejected by two-thirds of Scots, has given new impetus to the separatist movement.
