Lord Mayor of London Calls Brexit a 'Disaster' Post-2016
- Juan Franco, mayor of La Linea, warned of severe economic consequences if a post-Brexit deal is not reached.
- Workers could face long delays at the border, with waits of up to 14 hours, impacting local employment.
- The situation echoes historical border closures that devastated La Linea's economy, highlighting the urgency for a resolution.
In October 2024, Juan Franco, the mayor of La Linea, a Spanish town adjacent to Gibraltar, expressed concerns over the potential consequences of failing to reach a post-Brexit agreement between Spain and Gibraltar. He warned that without a deal, workers could face long delays at the border, with waits of up to 14 hours becoming a reality. This situation could severely impact La Linea's economy, pushing many residents towards organized crime due to lack of employment opportunities. Since December 2020, a temporary arrangement has allowed for easier movement between Gibraltar and Spain, but a permanent solution remains elusive. The mayor recalled the historical context of border closures, referencing the economic devastation experienced in La Linea after the border was closed in 1969 under Francisco Franco's regime. The ongoing negotiations have been complicated by disagreements over policing arrangements at Gibraltar Airport, which has seen significant passenger traffic. Spain's foreign minister has urged the UK to accept a fair agreement to avoid further complications at the border, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a resolution to prevent economic decline and social unrest in the region.