Theresa May faces fresh Brexit dilemma following Spain’s major win in its fight to rule Gibraltar
Spain claimed a major win in their fight to rule Gibraltar last night, forcing The Prime Minister to give written confirmation of their veto over the Rock in future trade talks with the European Union
SPAIN claimed a major win in their fight to rule Gibraltar last night – causing a fresh Brexit headache for Theresa May.
The PM was forced to give written confirmation of their veto over the Rock in future trade talks with the EU.
Gloating Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez boasted his country is a step closer to taking control of the British territory.
His bluster took the shine off Mrs May’s big moment as she clinched the finishing touches to her Brexit deal in last-ditch talks with EU chiefs.
Clearly rattled, she was forced to issue an assurance that Gibraltar would remain British.
She added: “The UK’s position on the sovereignty of Gibraltar has not changed and will not change.
“In the future, we’ll continue to negotiate on behalf of the whole UK family, and that includes Gibraltar.
“I’m proud Gibraltar is British. I will always stand by Gibraltar.”
Spain had threatened to scupper the deal unless she conceded in writing that no part can apply to the Rock without the Spanish government’s agreement.
After 48 hours of wrangling, the British delegation caved in – handing Madrid a massive diplomatic coup.
Last night the Spanish government claimed the development was the most important since the Utrecht Treaty of 1713 when the Rock was ceded to Britain.
Mr Sanchez said the “historic” agreement would open the door to redefining the status of Gibraltar and would enable Spain to push for joint sovereignty.
He declared: “Spain has achieved a historic triple lock with which it can enter definitive discussions with the UK over the future of Gibraltar over the next few years.
“We have gained sufficient guarantees to be able to seek the solution to a conflict between Spain and the UK that has lasted more than 300 years.”
Spain has made several failed attempts to reclaim the Rock, whose residents voted overwhelmingly to remain British in 1967 and 2002.
The 30,000-strong population voted to stay in the EU but will be forced to leave with the rest of the UK on March 29.
Yesterday’s coup gives Madrid massive negotiating leverage over the future of the territory. While it cannot claim full sovereignty, it can use Brexit trade talks to force it to make changes in areas of legitimate interest, such as taxation, where Gib has no VAT and only 10 per cent corporation tax, compared to 25 per cent in Spain.
Spain’s grandstanding was dismissed by sources, who pointed out that elections will be held in Andalusia, the province bordering the Rock, next Sunday (Dec 2).
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Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo said last night: “No declarations agreed by the remaining EU 27 or the European institutions will ever change the undiluted British sovereignty or security of Gibraltar.”
He added: “Throughout our history we’ve stuck with Britain. After Brexit, we will stick with Britain in the future too.
“This is our most important relationship. And as the UK establishes new trading and other relationships around the world, we look forward to the opportunities that will come from the benefits of our common language, our common law and the ties that bind us with the Commonwealth of nations around the world.”
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The Sun on Sunday Says
BREXIT has produced some staggering examples of political grandstanding.
But the claim by Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez that he could get his hands on Gibraltar when Britain leaves the EU is in a class of its own.
Despite yesterday’s manoeuvres Theresa May was clear that nothing has changed or will change.
Gibraltar is British and will stay British.
Senor Sanchez is taking the chance to look tough before elections in Andalusia next Sunday.
He’s used The Rock to talk a bunch of crock.