Why base Mediterranean P-8s at Gibraltar?

Should some of the proposed P-8 fleet be based in Cyprus?

The preference is to base the Mediterranean group at Gibraltar and fly to Cyprus, because Gibraltar's status is more straightforward.

Eight aircraft are proposed for Mediterranean coverage. Gibraltar would provide a base on British territory, with aircraft able to fly to Cyprus and return. Cyprus presents a more complicated political setting, with its independent state, Turkish-controlled area and British bases. That distinction explains the preferred home base.