Gibraltar is bracing itself for a potential collapse in post-Brexit negotiations by reactivating its war tunnels to store emergency medical supplies.
The move comes amid fears that talks between the UK and the European Union could fail, which would lead to stricter border controls with Spain and potential disruptions in trade.
A spokesperson for Gibraltar’s government told The Telegraph that the territory is working to “maintain stock levels, especially for the health service”.
The decision to store medicines in the 32-mile-long network of tunnels, originally dug during World War 2, is part of a bigger contingency plan developed since the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016.
Negotiations over Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU have dragged on for over three years, with no agreement in sight – in what will come as a huge worry to the embattled PM Keir Starmer, and his Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
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And, if talks collapse, Spain has warned of a “hard border” with Gibraltar, which could disrupt the flow of essential goods, including medicines.
Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia said: “Precautions will be taken regarding medicines obtained from the UK to ensure there are no supply interruptions or unnecessary costs arising from emergency air transport, if avoidable.”
Gibraltar has a long history of using its wartime tunnels, which were originally excavated during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century and expanded during World War 2.
These tunnels were designed to house up to 16,000 troops and enough supplies to withstand a long siege.
Now, they are being repurposed to ensure Gibraltar can survive a potential diplomatic crisis.
Juan Franco, the Mayor of La Linea – a Spanish town near Gibraltar – also expressed frustration with the lack of a contingency plan for his community.
He said: “I feel envious every time I receive press releases from the Government of Gibraltar because Joseph Garcia has held a meeting with a minister discussing the contingency plan.”
He added: “No one has sat down with us to see what plan B is.”
