Ever since it was ceded to the UK in the 18th century, Britons 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 Spain’s south coast is well known for its British-style pubs and affordable 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 a pint. Food prices in pubs for typical pub grub, such as fish and chips or cottage pie, are also generally considered reasonable and good value for money compared with many hotspots on the UK mainland. However, due to Keir Starmer‘s “sellout” post-Brexit deal, many locals fear this much sought-after way of life is “under threat”.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister finalised the UK-EU post-Brexit deal for Gibraltar, which will create a “fluid border” by relocating checks to Gibraltar’s airport and port, essentially integrating it with the Schengen Area. This means that Spanish and EU officials will perform border checks for entry into the EU zone. 

Under the deal, British tourists entering Gibraltar will have to show their passports twice, once to a Gibraltarian and then to a Spanish guard, as part of a “dual” entry system – a move that has been slammed as a “ridiculous disaster” by former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.

Residents have shared their frustrations and concerns about Starmer’s new deal, with many worried that criminals will take advantage and destroy the low crime rates.

Tony ‘Del’ Farmer, who runs the Quarterdeck Tavern, decorated with Union and St George flags, told The Sun: “I like the border because it keeps the riff-raff out. You look over at Spain and all the problems they are having and you think, why would we want to bring that here?”

Mother-of-two and customer care worker Jyza Poggio, 33, said Gibraltar “is the best place to live in the world” right now: “Children can walk to school by themselves and I can go jogging at 3am without fearing for my safety.

“But once the border opens, anyone can come and go and that makes me worry our way of life will be under threat.”

Recent data shows a significant influx of Brits moving to Gibraltar, with at least 3,000 new residents granted permits in just three months. UK nationals now form a substantial part of the total population, around 10,000 to 13,000 people, or approximately 30 to 40%. However, the popularity of inquiries became so intense that Chief Minister Fabian Picardo was forced to introduce a suspension of new applications from the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA) in October.