Gibraltar’s Casemates Square was a sea of red and white on September 11, 2025, as thousands of Gibraltarians gathered to celebrate National Day—a tradition now in its 33rd year. The air buzzed with music, confetti cannons, and the unmistakable pride of a people fiercely devoted to their British heritage and unique identity. But this year’s festivities carried a resonance that reached well beyond the Rock’s limestone boundaries, as they unfolded in the shadow of a historic agreement set to reshape Gibraltar’s future with both the United Kingdom and the European Union.
At the heart of the celebrations was a sense of unity and continuity, linking generations past and present. The day commemorates the 1967 referendum, when an overwhelming 99 percent of Gibraltarians voted to remain under British sovereignty rather than join Spain, then under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. That decision, as many locals are quick to remind visitors, remains a defining moment in Gibraltar’s collective memory. "For us, National Day is to tell the world that we are British. We want to stay British and not Spanish, we just want the world to respect what we want to be," one resident told GB News. Another added, "Gibraltar is our home. It's British and it's going to stay British. It's what represents us as British Gibraltarians. We're proud of what we are. We're proud of our British heritage. And nothing, no one, not even the Labour government, are going to change that. It's as simple as that."
As the celebrations unfolded, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar addressed the crowd—both those gathered in the square and Gibraltarians watching from afar, including those in London, at St Bernard’s, and across the globe. He began by expressing gratitude to all who make the day possible, from essential service workers and law enforcement to the tireless teams cleaning up after the festivities. His words echoed the collective pride and determination that have long characterized the Gibraltarian spirit.
But it was the messages from across the sea that set this National Day apart. His Majesty King Charles III sent a personal letter, delivered by the Governor, praising Gibraltar’s achievements and the enduring bond between the Rock and the Crown. "As a cherished member of our overseas family, it is with great pride that I reflect on the many achievements of the people of Gibraltar," the King wrote. He commended Gibraltar’s environmental initiatives, including the replanting of native seagrass and the development of a 25-year environmental plan, and affirmed ongoing collaboration on climate change and sustainability.
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, also sent warm wishes, highlighting the significance of the recent Political Agreement reached on June 11, 2025, between the UK, EU, Gibraltar, and Spain. According to Starmer’s message, this agreement marks "a pivotal step toward a future treaty that will ensure a prosperous and secure future for Gibraltar." He paid tribute to the Chief Minister and his negotiating team for their role in steering years of complex discussions to a successful conclusion. Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Gibraltar’s self-determination and sovereignty, stating, "The foundation stone of our partnership remains the connections of our people, supported by the UK's resolute position on sovereignty and self determination by the people of Gibraltar. I reaffirm once again today my Government's commitment to the double lock."
That double lock—guaranteeing that Gibraltar’s sovereignty cannot be changed without the consent of its people and the UK government—is a linchpin of local confidence. The Chief Minister, in his address, was unequivocal: "We are ALWAYS going to be BRITISH, always. We are always going to be an integral part of the British family. And, whoever it may pain: THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE." He emphasized that the new deal with the EU does not compromise Gibraltar’s sovereignty in any way: "No aspect of our sovereignty, jurisdiction or control will be ceded or compromised. Because we owe it to us and to you never to cede. NEVER TO SURRENDER."
This year’s celebrations were also infused with anticipation for the future. The landmark EU-UK agreement reached in June aims to dismantle the border fence between Gibraltar and Spain—a physical and symbolic barrier that has defined the territory’s relationship with its neighbor for generations. According to Devdiscourse, the agreement is scheduled for implementation in the first half of 2026, promising to ease cross-border trade and travel by removing physical barriers, checks, and controls. The move is especially significant given Gibraltar’s reliance on EU market access for its economy, even as Spain continues to assert its sovereignty claim over the territory.
The border negotiations had long been slow and fraught, particularly after Britain’s 2020 departure from the European Union. The new agreement, therefore, represents a breakthrough—one that is expected to foster greater prosperity and stability for Gibraltar and its people. The Chief Minister assured the public that the deal is "safe and secure," and that the upcoming treaty will reflect these guarantees. "I told you that we would never surrender our British sovereignty or any part of it. For any price. For any deal. For any benefit. I GUARANTEED that we would only bring back a deal that was safe and secure. And that is what we have delivered," he declared.
On the ground, the mood was one of jubilation and pride. Families came together for barbecues, children waved flags, and the city’s streets were filled with music and laughter. Residents spoke openly of their loyalty to the Crown, expressing admiration for King Charles and reflecting on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth. Many emphasized the importance of passing these traditions and values on to the next generation. "National Day is about family, community, and identity," said one attendee. "We are British, obviously, but we’re slightly different from the English. It’s about celebrating what makes us unique."
Political leaders echoed these sentiments. Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia argued that Gibraltar’s progress in political, social, and economic spheres demonstrates a clear case for decolonisation, insisting that the territory’s international legal status must evolve to reflect today’s realities. He stressed that the people’s right to self-determination is fundamental and will not be undermined by any future UK-EU treaty. "National Day is a moment to celebrate unity and identity," Garcia noted.
As the sun set over Gibraltar and the last of the confetti drifted to the ground, there was a palpable sense that this National Day marked not just a celebration of the past, but a confident step toward the future. With a historic agreement on the horizon and the unwavering resolve of its people, Gibraltar stands ready to embrace new opportunities—proud, resilient, and, above all, British.
