The Commonwealth as a new sunrise for Gibraltar’s future: overcoming weaknesses in the post-Brexit era

Abstract

This article examines the obstacles that Gibraltar’s current status entails for the territory’s future. It could prevent Gibraltarians from achieving the full development of their identity or satisfactory representation of their interests vis-à-vis third parties. The four main obstacles are: the continued conflict between Spain, the United Kingdom (UK) and Gibraltar; Europe’s relationship with Gibraltar after Brexit; the UK’s and Gibraltar’s international reputations; and Gibraltar’s relationship with the UK. This paper argues that the Commonwealth can play a significant role in providing a secure future for Gibraltar. One option is for Gibraltar to become a Free Associated State (FAS) of the UK, in the form of a UK realm within the Commonwealth. Useful precedents would be the Cook Islands and Niue, two FASs under New Zealand. The second option is to become a sovereign state in the form of a UK realm within the Commonwealth. A useful precedent could be Belize. Both status options would assure Gibraltar international security by a double linkage – as a British realm and as a Commonwealth member – through the Queen as guarantor.