Stay out of our waters! Spain warned after two 'serious' incidents off Gibraltar
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spain was warned by Europe minister David Lidington to halt “provocative incursions” into Gibraltarian waters after its ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office to face British anger.
The diplomatic measure followed two “serious” incidents on Monday which saw a Spanish naval vessel patrol the area and an attempt by Spanish customs to seize a civilian boat.
Police from Gibraltar had to intervene “to safeguard the welfare of the four occupants”, the Foreign Office said of the latest incident in the long-running sovereignty dispute over The Rock.
Spain has long laid claim to the island, which is a British overseas territory.
Last month ministers made formal complaints to Madrid about “unacceptable” actions by the Spanish authorities at the border with Gibraltar which led to delays of up to six hours.
Mr Lidington launched a fresh verbal assault today after the FCO's most senior official Simon Fraser made clear Britain's concerns to Ambassador Federico Trillo.
“I condemn these provocative incursions and urge the Spanish government to ensure that they are not repeated,” Mr Lidington said.
“The UK has repeatedly made diplomatic protests to Spain over attempts by Spanish state authorities to exercise jurisdiction in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.
“Yet on 13 November there were two further serious incursions. A large Spanish naval ship conducted a prominent patrol through British Gibraltar Territorial Waters lasting several hours.
“Later on the same day a Spanish customs vessel sought to apprehend a Gibraltarian civilian boat in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, forcing the Royal Gibraltar Police to intervene in order to safeguard the welfare of the four occupants.”
He warned that such incidents risked damaging “the prospects of developing a harmonious and collaborative relationship between Gibraltar and Spain.
“It is also in all parties' interests to avoid incidents which could put at risk the safety of those operating in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.
“We remain confident of UK sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and fully committed to protecting the interests of the people of Gibraltar and their wish to remain under British sovereignty.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments