Historic visit could make life easier for those living between the two countries

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez travelled to London this Wednesday, September 3, for what is both the first official event in his international agenda of the new political season and his first bilateral visit to the United Kingdom since taking office in 2018. While Sánchez has visited the UK four times since becoming Prime Minister, he had never previously held a meeting at the British Prime Minister’s residence with any of the four Conservative leaders who have occupied Downing Street during his term-Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, or Rishi Sunak. Meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Sánchez aims to build on the historic June agreement on Gibraltar and push forward stronger economic and business ties between the two countries.

Gibraltar Agreement: A Practical Change for Daily Life

The Gibraltar agreement is likely to have the most immediate impact on daily life for people living and working in Spain and Gibraltar. From 2026, the land border between Spain and Gibraltar will no longer be the main point for customs or passport controls. Instead, all checks will be carried out at Gibraltar’s port and airport.

Around 15,000 people cross the border daily, mostly workers, so the change could make commuting quicker and less stressful. For expats with ties to both Spain and the UK, it also opens up smoother travel for business or family visits.

Balancing Politics and Practicality

The deal is designed to balance practicality with politics. Sánchez described it as a “global agreement in the citizens’ interest,” while reaffirming Spain’s claims over the Gibraltar isthmus. Starmer stressed that UK sovereignty is unchanged but called the agreement a “great opportunity to boost bilateral relations.” For residents in Spain with professional, personal, or financial connections to the UK, this is a welcome step after years of uncertainty post-Brexit.

Economic and Business Cooperation

The London meeting also focused on trade, investment, and business cooperation. Spain and the UK already share strong economic links: the UK is Spain’s top non-EU market, while Spanish investment in the UK spans banking, energy, telecoms, and infrastructure.

Companies participating included Aena, Iberdrola, Navantia, Telefónica, Santander, Indra, AstraZeneca, Barclays, BP, and Octopus Energy. A memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership is expected to be signed, covering trade, legal migration, climate, and women’s rights, and establishing annual ministerial meetings.

What This Means for Expats

For expats, the implications are significant beyond Gibraltar. Travel may become easier, with clearer border procedures and fewer delays. Investment opportunities could expand as both governments encourage collaboration in key sectors. And for those managing businesses or careers across Spain and the UK, the deal offers more predictability in legal and regulatory frameworks.

Wider Global Context

The meeting also comes at a time when issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, migration, and climate remain on the agenda. While not directly affecting daily life, the closer UK-Spain cooperation could influence policies that touch residents in Spain.

A Step Toward a More Connected Future

Sánchez and Starmer’s London visit may look like high-level diplomacy, but for people living in Spain with UK connections, it has practical significance: easier commuting, smoother travel, clearer trade rules, and stronger business links, perhaps. It represents a step toward a more predictable, cooperative, and connected future between the two countries.

Main image: Shutterstock/OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES