Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has been invited to attend a high level security briefing at the Ministry of Defense in London next week, part of a drive by the British Government to foster closer links with the Government of Gibraltar.
The move was revealed by Penny Mordaunt, Britain’s Armed Forces Minister, who met Mr. Picardo this week at the Conservative Party conference.
“Chief Minister Picardo and I enjoyed an extremely useful meeting, which allowed us to discuss the strategic relationship the UK and Gibraltar shares and our many common goals,” Ms Mordaunt said.
“The commitment and reassurance of regular Royal Navy visits to Gibraltar and the security briefing we will undertake when Mr Picardo returns to London demonstrate that we are investing in this partnership.”
This is believed to be the first time that a Chief Minister of Gibraltar has been invited to attend a security meeting at this level.
Defense officials said Mr. Picardo’s presence at the meeting signaled a desire to engage Gibraltar at a strategic level, offering the Chief Minister a deeper understanding of the UK’s broader military thinking and how the Rock fits into the wider context.
They stressed that there was no change to the threat profile in Gibraltar and that this was not about any heightened security risk to the Rock.
Gibraltar has been constantly challenged by neighboring Spain and Spanish navy, scientific and coast guard vessels, which do not recognize the UK Overseas Territory waters.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesShame on the British government. Under international law and the UN Charter, Britain is responsible for the defence of Gibraltar. How come so many spanish state vessels get to illegally invade British Gibraltar Territorial Waters? Has spain not read UNCLOS? I refer to UNCLOS I. Where all coastal territories got territorial waters without having to site cannon or other guns.
Oct 10th, 2015 - 01:30 pm 0What a good reason for the UK to leave the EU. Then we could open fire and sink these illegal vessels. Taranto 1940 is good example of how to do it.
@ 1 Conqueror.
Oct 10th, 2015 - 05:19 pm 0Not going to happen if Picardo gets his way over the EU!
Gibraltar needs to make up their minds which side their bread is buttered on: with the UK who have steadfastly been on their side throughout or subsumed by the cowardly Spanish who would sell their granny if they thought it would bring them a few Euros.
@2. Have to agree. Which of the 32,194 Gibraltarians think they are more important than 64.5 MILLION UK population? Yes, the UK should defend Gibraltar. And Gibraltar shouldn't defend itself? Arm the boats. Arm the police. Arm the citizens. And SHOOT!!
Oct 10th, 2015 - 05:45 pm 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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