Madrid threat to boycott summit unless Theresa May gives Spain more concessions over Gibraltar
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez claims Britain has given guarantees over the territory but wants them in writing
SPAIN has threatened to boycott Sunday’s summit unless Theresa May publicly commits to conceding a UK-EU trade deal won’t automatically cover Gibraltar.
Madrid issued the extraordinary demand following a meeting with Michel Barnier in Brussels, saying it will block the Brexit deal if the PM refuses.
The explosive 24 hour ultimatum risked further ratcheting up tensions between the UK and Spain over the Rock at a critical time in the talks.
It was delivered by junior EU affairs minister Luis Marco Aguiriano, who represented Madrid at a get-together of leaders’ top advisors yesterday.
He said the UK had verbally “promised to guarantee they will go along with the clarification we have requested” but the pledge must be put in writing.
He said: “We have demanded that it be published by the British authorities before the Council on Sunday. The PM and President will then have to decide.”
Asked if PM Pedro Sanchez would refuse to turn up to the summit without such assurances, he replied: “He’ll decide that when he sees the British text.”
The left-wing leader has threatened to “veto Brexit” if he doesn’t get his own way on the issue.
And last night sources in Madrid revealed he is still trying to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, suggesting even a joint EU-UK pledge won’t be enough.
A Spanish official warned: “We don’t have enough guarantees on Gibraltar and the future relationship with the EU, and our veto to the Brexit deal and the political declaration remains.”
Technically Spain does not have a veto over the agreement, which will be decided by a majority vote.
But the Member States have made a cast iron vow to never approve any deal that does not have the consent of all 27 capitals.
Mr Aguiriano pointed out Spain could still veto a trade deal, which would need ratifying by all EU parliaments, if it doesn’t get its way now.
He said: “If we didn’t obtain the guarantees, in the end we would have a veto anyway. What we are trying to do is avoid using the veto.
And he insisted Madrid would hold London to any statement it issues, taking it to court over breaches if necessary.
He said: “Any British citizens would agree with us that if the British government violates its own formal statements, they can go to court.”
Earlier Gibraltar’s chief minister, Fabian Picardo, criticised Spanish demands and said he wanted direct talks with Madrid anyway.
He said: “Spain is the physical and geographical gateway to Europe for Gibraltar.”
“We recognise that and there is absolutely no need for us to be vetoed into being brought to the table.”
Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said there was “no other alternative” than to accommodate Madrid’s demands.
A UK Government spokesman said: “Of course we haven’t agreed to exclude Gibraltar.
“The PM has been consistently clear that we intend to negotiate future agreements on behalf of all territories for whose external relations we are responsible, including Gibraltar.
“We recognise Spain’s particular interest in matters relating to Gibraltar - as the Chief Minister himself said, Spain is Gibraltar’s gateway to Europe and it’s important we have regular dialogue.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that we’re seeking a deal that works for the whole UK family. That deal must work for Gibraltar too.”
Speaking in Cuba last night, Mr Sánchez said he would not turn up at Sunday’s summit unless Britain gives into his demands.
He said: “With regards to Gibraltar, I say the guarantees we have are still not enough.
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“I insist, the guarantees are still not sufficient and therefore Spain maintains its veto in regards to the Brexit agreement.
“Logically if there is an agreement beforehand I will go to Brussels.
“If there is no agreement it’s evident that what will occur is that very probably the European Council will not take place.”
He added: “I reiterate what I said before, that the guarantees in the agreement that is being discussed in Brussels are not sufficient and therefore Spain still maintains its veto.”
The Sun Says
IF this Brexit agreement has been a nightmare, wait till we try for a trade deal.
Look at the EU, demanding we now give up fishing rights we thought secure. Or Spain, threatening to sabotage the Withdrawal Agreement over Gibraltar.
It doesn’t have a veto now. But it will on trade. So will every EU country and even certain regions within them.
Every ancient grudge will be weaponised. All the while, we could be trapped in the debilitating Irish “backstop”.
We must somehow avoid it.