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Spanish president Pedro Sánchez will travel to London tomorrow, Wednesday September 3, for his first bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The visit, which begins at 3.15pm, comes after this summer’s breakthrough on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the European Union.

 

Spanish government sources say the trip is focused on boosting economic and trade links in the wake of the Gibraltar deal, which also set out changes to border controls and documentation requirements for people crossing between Gibraltar and Spain. With the border fence scheduled to be dismantled in January 2026, Spain sees this as a key moment to expand cooperation with the UK.

 

During the London talks, Sánchez and Starmer will sign a memorandum of understanding that establishes annual meetings between their foreign ministers. The document is being described as the foundation for a new strategic alliance between the two countries.

 

Later, the two leaders will join Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and business leaders from both nations. This session is expected to explore opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, defence, finance, cybersecurity and sustainable mobility. Officials suggest it could pave the way for a permanent business committee linking major British and Spanish companies.

 

Despite the UK’s exit from the EU, trade between the two countries has strengthened. Spain has become the UK’s second-largest services provider after the United States, while Britain was the top foreign investor in Spain in 2024.

 

Sources at Moncloa emphasise that the visit is not only about trade but also about political alignment. They describe the signing as a “milestone” because it will be the first institutional agreement with the UK since Brexit. This week’s meeting builds on two earlier steps: the EU–UK summit held in May and the June deal on Gibraltar´s status.

 

Since Keir Starmer took office in July 2024, the two leaders have maintained contact, but Spanish officials see tomorrow’s meeting in London as the first concrete step in a new phase of relations. With Gibraltar’s future now largely settled and economic ties on the rise, both governments are keen to present this as the start of a more stable and cooperative chapter.

 

 

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