UK politics live: David Cameron reveals Schengen Gibraltar border checks as deal to cost UK £4.7bn

Foreign secretary David Cameron is giving evidence to MPs and members of the Commons European scrutiny over the planned treaty for Gibraltar.

Both governments are currently in the process of agreeing a post-Brexit treaty amid fears Gibraltar could become subject to Schengen area rules.

MPs warned the Brexiteer that his promise of a stronger sovereignty has failed and it could lead to a loss of control of British territories.

They are concerned Lord Cameron’s draft would leave UK citizens at the mercy of EU Frontex border guards and give them the power to turn away people from the territory.

During today’s Commons session, MPs are demanding answers to a list of key questions following evidence sessions with foreign minister David Rutley and Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo.

It comes as National Audit Office warned the Government is splashing £4.7bn in Brexit border checks system. The watchdog also found there is no clear timetable to fully implement its post-Brexit border controls.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined criticism and has slammed the Conservative Government for the way post-Brexit policies were handled, saying it didn’t turn out as people anticipated.

Key Points

• Brexit border checks to cost nearly £5bn

• David Cameron confirms Schengen border checks

• Jim Ratcliffe slams Tories over Brexit handling

• Gov has no timetable to implement post-Brexit border rules

• What has been the Brexit effect on Gibraltar?

David Cameron braced for a showdown with MPs

08:18 , Salma Ouaguira

The foreign secretary is set to give evidence over his post-Brexit draft treaty with Gibraltar.

Lord Cameron has been summoned by MPs after fears the draft could cause a loss of control over the British territory.

The Conservative MP is currently in the middle of negotiations with the government of Gibraltar, but some fear the new deal will see EU Frontex border guards deciding who can enter the area.

It comes as there are rising threats that Gibraltar could become part of Schengen area rules with Brits only allowed to stay for 90 days despite being part of British overseas territory.

Brexit fury: ‘We’re losing control'

08:29 , Salma Ouaguira

Various MP’s have criticised David Cameron’s post-Brexit draft treaty with Gibraltar.

DUP committee member Sammy Wilson said: “Brexit was supposed to be about taking back control. It is proving to be the opposite.

“Already we are seeing goods being turned away at the border on the instructions of EU officials, and new border controls being built to EU designs.”

Committee members have also weighted in and warned Lord Cameron’s plot could become catastrophic for the region.

Former cabinet minister David Jones, a lawyer who also sits on the committee and is deputy chair of the European Research Group of Tory Brexiteer MPs, warned: “This [the Gibraltar treaty] could be even worse than what has happened in Northern Ireland [with the Windsor Framework] and could have wider implications.

“This will cause serious ructions in the Conservative Party if Cameron allows it to go ahead.”

'Northern Ireland Protocol 2.0’

08:44 , Salma Ouaguira

MPs are in fury over a future UK-EU agreement on Gibraltar with a final agreement set to come to a conclusion.

Minister David Rytley, a Eurosceptic Conservative MP and chairman of the Commons European Scrutiny Committee, said negotiations risk becoming “Northern Ireland Protocol 2.0”.

In a letter to Foreign Office, he said proposals outlined to his committee represented “a serious diminution of UK sovereignty”.

He is particularly concerned about the possibility that EU border checks could be carried out at Gibraltar’s airport, which Sir Bill said would “erode UK sovereignty to the point of meaninglessness”.

Effect of Brexit on Gibraltar

08:55 , Salma Ouaguira

The British overseas territory in the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula has been one of the most problematic key points after Brexit.

• The region has been ruled by Britain since 1713, but it still has autonomy on defence and foreign policy.

• Back in 2002 there was a referendum on whether Britain and Spain could share the sovereignty over the territory. But it was roundly rejected.

• When Brexit was voted in 2016, the freedom of movement between Gibraltar and the UK was a new huge problem for both countries.

• The territory wasn’t included in the permanent UK-EU Brexit deal and has been operating under arrangements already in place.

• To put a permanent solution in place, there have been more than 17 rounds of negotiation talks from different foreign secretaries to reach a post-Brexit agreement.

UK and EU leaders say Gibraltar agreement is getting closer

09:10 , Salma Ouaguira

UK-EU agreement on Gibraltar ‘getting closer’ after talks in Brussels

Brexit border checks to cost nearly £5bn

09:27 , Salma Ouaguira

The UK has said it is aiming to have the world’s most effective border by 2025.

But the National Audit Office has warned the Post-Brexit border checks plans could cost millions to be implemented.

A published report raised the alarm after finding the strategy lacks “a clear timetable and an integrated cross-government delivery plan”.

It also said that repeated changes to and deferrals of the plan to introduce full import controls have led to uncertainty for businesses and extra costs for government and ports.

The public spending watchdog added that since the transition period concluded at the end of 2020, the Government has delayed its plans five times and spent money on infrastructure and staff that were ultimately not needed.

The estimated overall cost of implementing new arrangements and improving the management of the border has risen to a whopping £4.7 billion, according to NAO.

In full: What are MPs key concerns over the UK-EU Gibraltar deal?

09:53 , Salma Ouaguira

1. Schengen controls at Gibraltar’s airport: MPs are concerned about the introduction of rules that would restrict the free movement of UK citizens.

2. Implications for residents: The Committee highlighted the significant disruption for Gibraltarians who could face checks to enter their own territory.

3. New EU Entry/Exit regime: With the new EU Entry/Exit regime starting in October, there are fears over biometric registration requirements which could cause delays for travellers and workers.

4. Impact on UK nationals: MPs say there is uncertainty on whether time spent in Gibraltar would count towards the 90 days for non-EU nationals in the Schengen Area.

5. Military and security concerns: MP’s are worried about a potential EU border guards force that would block UK and NATO military personnel from entering the territory.

6. Oversight by the European Court of Justice: There are concerns about the court having a say on border and trade matters.

While we wait for David Cameron to be grilled by MPs, let’s look at other stories

09:59 , Salma Ouaguira

Labour is planning to simplify the process to change gender.

The policy would include scrapping a panel of doctors and lawyers that approve gender recognition certificates to stop the “futile and dehumanising parts” of changing gender.

A source said the party wanted to make the process “less medicalised” but added that the plans would retain the involvement of a doctor, as reported by The Times.

Labour said it had not yet been decided whether the medical professional would be a GP or a gender specialist, with the issue likely to go to consultation if the party wins the next election.

Click here to read Alexander Butler’s full story

Starmer's top team keep struggling to remember his first steps

10:02 , David Maddox

Another shadow minister has stumbled in trying to identify all six “First steps” on Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge card.

After shadow health secretary Wes Streeting could only name five out of six of them on Laura Kuenssberg’s show on Sunday, shadow minister for industry and decarbonisation Sarah Jones stumbled on a TalkTV interview with Mike Graham this morning.

Asked to name the six first steps, she said: “So there’s economic stability. Yeah. Cutting waiting lists obviously very important. 40,000 new appointments or operations every day. We need to set up the Border Security Command, which is going to help us to stop the boats. Very, very important, set up Great British Energy, tackle antisocial behaviour. And of course, the 6500, teachers that we want to reduce.”

The Tories were quick to point out that the NHS pledge was 40,000 per week not “very day”, as she had claimed.

Labour sources have noted that some senior figures pointed out the Starmer that Tony Blair’s pledge card contained five promises and suggested six was “too much”.

Shadow ministers struggling to remember them suggests that assessment may have been correct.

Tories slam Labour over forgotten pledges

10:14 , Salma Ouaguira

The chairman of the Conservative Party has criticised Labour frontbenchers for appearing to forget their own promises.

Richard Holden said: “A second member of Sir Keir Starmer’s top team has forgotten his latest batch of ‘pledges’. They change so quickly his own team don’t even bother to remember what they are.

“It’s clear Labour have no plan to deliver for the British people other than the same old Labour plans of unfunded spending and higher taxes.

“Their £38.5 billion black hole over four years will cost every working family an additional £2,094 in taxes, taking the country back to square one.”

Politics explained:

10:36 , Salma Ouaguira

Rishi Sunak has suffered another blow as a member of his cabinet became the 65th Tory MP to announce he will stand down at the election. Chris Heaton-Harris thanked his leader, but his decision will not help a wounded PM, writes Kate Devlin.

Does the Tory exodus from Westminster signal a Labour landslide ahead?

Wes Streeting defends Archbishop of Canterbury’s attack on two-child benefit cap

11:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Wes Streeting has defended the Archbishop of Canterbury after he slammed the two-child benefit cap as “cruel” and urged Sir Keir Starmer to scrap it.

Justin Welby said the limit, which restricts child benefit entitlement to two children per household, was neither “moral nor necessary” and it fell short of “our values as a society”.

The prime minister has pledged to keep the policy if the Tories remain in power and Sir Keir has so far resisted calls to dump it.

Tory MPs have hit out at church leaders for intervening in politics, but shadow health secretary Mr Streeting said he welcomed the comments.Click here to read our full story

Sir Robert Buckland defends himself over Elphicke allegations

11:31 , Salma Ouaguira

Former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland has insisted he acted properly when former Tory turned Labour MP Natalie Elphicke tried to get him to intervene on behalf of her former husband Charlie.

The Dover MP wanted to keep Mr Elphicke out of prison after being found guilty of sex offences.

Sir Robert rebuffed demands for him to be investigated on Sky News today, saying he had reported Ms Elphicke’s approach to him to the chief whip.

He said: “I acted properly.”

Polls: Labour lead over the Tories falls

11:35 , Salma Ouaguira

Labour has fallen from 25 points to 21, according to a new Ipsos survey.

The latest polling has put Sir Keir Starmer’s party on 41 per cent and the Conservatives party on 20 per cent.

Both the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have gone up by two points each, with 11 per cent.

Reform UK has fallen boy four points nine per cent.

Post-Brexit border controls: ‘Gov has no clear timetable,’ warns watchdog

11:55 , Salma Ouaguira

The National Audit Office said the Government has delayed its plans five times since the transition period ended in 2020.

Head of NAO Gareth Davies said: “More than three years after the end of the transition period, it is still not clear when full controls will be in place.”

“The UK leaving the EU created a large-scale change in arrangements for the movement of goods across the border. However, more than three years after the end of the transition period, it is still not clear when full controls will be in place.

“The border strategy has ambitious plans to use technology and data to facilitate trade while managing risks. To achieve its objectives, Government requires strong delivery and accountability – including a more realistic approach to digital transformation – together with effective monitoring to enable future improvements.”

GB News could be sanctioned after featuring PM in programme

12:10 , Salma Ouaguira

Ofcom has ruled Rishi Sunak broke broadcasting due impartiality after appearing on the live “People’s Forum: The Prime Minister” TV show.

The media watchdog has announced it had received over 500 complaints after the programme.

The regulator says that Mr Sunak had a “mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his Government”.

Ofcom added: “Given this represents a serious and repeated breach of these rules, we are now starting the process for consideration of a statutory sanction against GB News.”

Pro-remain campaigners slam Cameron’s deal

12:20 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron signs partnership pledge with Finland

12:24 , Salma Ouaguira

The UK and Finland have today signed a new deal agreement to support Ukraine.

The Strategic Partnership has been endorsed by Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen.

In a joint statement, the two ministers vowed to oppose Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Lord Cameron said: “As long-standing partners and new Nato allies, the UK’s relationship with Finland is going from strength to strength.

“As we stand together to support Ukraine, including through providing military aid and training, we are clear that the threat of Russian aggression, following the war it started, will not be tolerated.

“This Strategic Partnership, built on our shared values, will see the UK and Finland step up cooperation to bolster European security as well as seize new opportunities, from science and technology to closer energy ties.”

What has been the Brexit effect on Gibraltar?

12:40 , Salma Ouaguira

The British overseas territory in the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula has been one of the most problematic key points after Brexit.

• The region has been ruled by Britain since 1713, but it still has autonomy on defence and foreign policy.

• Back in 2002 there was a referendum on whether Britain and Spain could share the sovereignty over the territory. But it was roundly rejected.

• When Brexit was voted in 2016, the freedom of movement between Gibraltar and the UK was a new huge problem for both countries.

• The territory wasn’t included in the permanent UK-EU Brexit deal and has been operating under arrangements already in place.

• To put a permanent solution in place, there have been more than 17 rounds of negotiation talks from different foreign secretaries to reach a post-Brexit agreement.

Watch: Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe predicts how Keir Starmer will perform as prime minister

13:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes Sir Keir Starmer “will do a very good job of running the country” if he wins the general election.

The Ineos founder and Manchester United co-owner suggested that the Conservatives have had a “good run” but that “most of the country probably feels it’s time for a change.”

“I’m sure Keir will do a very good job of running the country, I have no questions about that,” Sir Jim told Sky News.

“The UK does need to get a bit sharper on the business front.”

Sunak still has confidence in Ofcom after GB News ruling

13:17 , Emma Guinness

Downing Street has defended Ofcom’s independence after its decision to rule against GB News following complaints about its people’s question session with the prime minister.

Asked if Rishi Sunak still has confidence in Ofcom, his spokesman said: “Yes, of course, they’re an independent regulator, it’s important for them to be able to carry out their duties  independently.

“In this specific instance, it is obviously the producer who needs to respond to the first instance.

“From the prime minister’s perspective he will regularly undertake interviews in a range of formats for a range of different albums and continues to do so in an importantprocess. He and other cabinet ministers and other politicians are interviewed in a wide range of forms from a wide range of broadcasters.”

Pictured: Finnish Foreign Secretary and David Cameron sign UK-Finland strategic partnership

13:27 , Salma Ouaguira

Jim Ratcliffe slams Tories over Brexit handling

13:31 , Salma Ouaguira

The billionaire told Sky News that Britain is ready to move on from the Conservative Party following their post-Brexit policies.

Brexiteer Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted he has issues with the way the departure from the EU was delivered by Tory PMs.

He said: “Brexit sort of unfortunately didn’t turn out as people anticipated because… Brexit was largely about immigration.”

‘Time for a change’ at next election, Noel Gallagher says

13:35 , Salma Ouaguira

Musician Noel Gallagher has also joined Jim Ratcliffe and said it is now time for a new leader after the post-Brexit chaos.

He told Times Radio today: “Look, it’s time for a change. You know, everybody can feel it. You know, the country has gone to the dogs after Brexit, whether you like it or not, everybody was lied to. It’s not been great.

“Can the Labour Party turn it around? I guess the needle swings to the Left for a while and then, you know, things, they rarely change that drastically, you know.

“But it’s time for a change, if only for the mood of the country.”

‘Lurching to the Right would be disastrous for Conservatives,’ warns Tory MP

13:53 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Bob Neill, who is standing down at the next election, has warned his own party against slipping further right or lose the next general election.

The chairman of the Justice Select Committee told Times Radio: “Centre and right are both of equal importance as far as I am concerned.

“It will be a tragedy, a disaster for both the party and the country if we were tempted to forget about the centre part of the equation and move too far to the right.”

In full: Brexit row erupts over control of Gibraltar’s border

14:16 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron is set for a showdown with MPs today over treaty for Gibraltar amid criticism that promise to ‘take back control’ has failed.

The governments of Gibraltar and the UK are close to agreeing a treaty that some fear will see EU Frontex border guards decide who can enter the British overseas territory – and will give them the power to turn away British citizens.

Added to that, with the threat that Gibraltar could become subject to Schengen area rules, there are now concerns that UK citizens will only be allowed to stay for 90 days on “the Rock” even though it is a British overseas territory.

Brexit row erupts over control of Gibraltar’s border

Who controls the strait of Gibraltar?

14:35 , Salma Ouaguira

Although the UK has control over the territory, the waters are a different story.

The United Kingdom claims three nautical miles around Gibraltar on the northern side of the Strait in the Atlantic Ocean.

But the rest of the Strait is currently under Spain and Morocco’s control.

Meanwhile in the Commons...

14:44 , Salma Ouaguira

MPs are putting questions to ministers from the MoD over the progress made on the delivery of the UK Defence Drone Strategy.

Defence Minister James Cartlidge previously announced a new “game-changing” weapon to tackle threatening technology.

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) will detect, track and engage a range of enemy activity across land, air and sea.

Comment: Now even Brexiteers are blaming themselves for Britain’s economic woes

14:56 , Salma Ouaguira

Brexit Britain is being held back by things like ‘poor international trade’ and ‘weak leadership’, which comes as a surprise to no one, writes Femi Oluwole – not even the prime minister.

Now even Brexiteers are blaming themselves for the state we’re in | Femi Oluwole

Lord Cameron is minutes away from being grilled by MPs

15:00 , Salma Ouaguira

The foreign secretary will be appearing in front of the European Scrutiny Committee to answer urgent questions about his post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

He is expected to speak from 3pm this afternoon.

David Cameron appears with two officials from the Foreign Office

15:03 , Salma Ouaguira

MPs ask David Cameron whether he understands the meaning of sovereignty.

MPs are asking Lord Cameron whether the UK deal with Gibraltar safe and secure.

He says: “We don’t want anything that diminishes in any way the sovereignty the UK over Gibraltar.

“We need a clear strategy to protect our sovereignty,” Sir William Cash, the Tory chairman of the committee says.

To which David Cameron replies: “I think I understand the meaning of sovereignty which is Gibraltar is a sovereign UK territory and that shouldn’t and won’t change and in our negotiations there are three things that are absolutely paramount.

“One is the sovereignty of Gibraltar, the second is the operation of the defence facility and the third is trying to achieve a deal which is good for the people of Gibraltar and crucially backed by the government of Gibraltar.

“So those are our aims but we don’t want to see anything that diminishes in any way UK sovereignty over Gibraltar.”

‘We aim to respect what Gibraltar wants,’ Cameron says

15:06 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron says negotiations are based on two goals.

He aims to safeguard the sovereignty of Gibraltar and respect the its government and his overriding aim to have a flexible border with Spain.

“It is the best way to secure their economy,” he claims.

‘We must protect airspace,’ says foreign secretary

15:09 , Salma Ouaguira

Lord Cameron claims he is working hard to make sure the UK still has control of Gibraltar airport.

He says: “We must have full control of airspace without hindrance.

“The government of Gibraltar is responsible for its immigration and customs system.

“[But] anything that happens in the airport has to have the full agreement of the UK as the sovereign power.”

Windsor Framework red lines

15:15 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron gets asked about what he talked about during negotiations over the Windsor Framework Agreement.

He says he talked about issues where there has been an agreement and areas where are still up for debate.

These include organic pet food regulation and geographical indicators.

He adds: “We kept explaining the importance of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.”

Foreign secretary outlines the Government’s non-negotiable

15:19 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron claims the three red lines he has set out during negotiation talks with the EU.

He says: “Every inch of the Rock must remain British.”

He claims the naval base in the territory must remain running without undermining the UK’s sovereignty.

He then adds: “We won’t agree to a deal that the government of Gibraltar doesn’t back or doesn’t find satisfactory.”

Where can I watch the session?

15:20 , Salma Ouaguira

David Cameron is getting scrutinised by the European Committee.

You can watch the grilling live by clicking here.

Brits will go through Schengen border checks, David Cameron confirms

15:25 , Salma Ouaguira

Asked about border checks, the foreign secretary reveals Brits entering the territory will go through various border checks.

He says: “There is no automatic right and Gibraltar can turn you away.

“In future, you will arrive to the border in Gibraltar and go through Gibraltar checks and Schengen checks.

“The reason is that the Gibraltarians want to have a frictionless border with Spain.”

Exclusive: Labour MP Stella Creasy targeted with graphic and ‘misleading’ anti-abortion leaflets

15:54 , Salma Ouaguira

‘Children and women who experienced miscarriage picked them up. There have to be ways in which we protect people’s personal spaces,’ Labour MP Stella Creasy says.

Labour MP Stella Creasy targeted with graphic and ‘misleading’ anti-abortion leaflets

We’re pausing our live coverage for now

15:58 , Salma Ouaguira

If you want to read our latest stories check out our home page for more.