MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hague reaffirms Gibraltar sovereignty but calls for more cooperation with Spain

Foreign Secretary Hague made a speech at the Gibraltar reception at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham

The British Government and the Government of Gibraltar must work ever more closely together in a spirit of openness and trust to further mutual interests and “without conceding on sovereignty, which must remain paramount,” they must also look to the future and work to strengthen relationships with Spain”.

This says British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, is his ambition for the months ahead.

The remarks come in an Opinion article written for the Gibraltar Chronicle and echoing his address at the Gibraltar reception at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.

“As stated in the UN General Assembly this year, the British Government stands ready to explore new ways of taking forward dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual importance by any means that reflect the interests, rights and responsibilities of the people of Gibraltar,” says Mr Hague

In his article Mr Hague highlights the close bonds between UK and Gibraltar.

“History,” he states, “proves beyond doubt the wish of the Gibraltarian people to be and to remain British, and when the last British Government unwisely did doubt it in 2002 the people of Gibraltar told them what they thought about it in a referendum in the clearest possible terms. It is that wish that guides all this Government’s actions and policy on Gibraltar-related issues, including the fundamental issue of sovereignty”.

“We have stated many times our commitment to you on sovereignty and did so again at the United Nations General Assembly this year. We will never enter into arrangements under which Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another State against the wishes of its people. Furthermore, we will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content. We will honour these words,” he said adding “the British Government is equally committed to upholding British sovereignty over the territorial waters surrounding Gibraltar.”

But, he says he believes that, in addition to UK reiterating its position on Gibraltar and otherwise continuing it bilateral relationship, “mutual cooperation has the potential to benefit all of us.”

“I believe that Gibraltar has an equal interest in a productive relationship with Spain. In economic terms, the ties between Gibraltar and Spain are of mutual benefit, with significant cross-border trade and exchange, starting with the Campo. The impressive cooperation between the Royal Gibraltar Police and the Guardia Civil to tackle serious crimes, including drug smuggling, is yet another example of practical cooperation which benefits the people of Gibraltar. And there are strong human ties too,” he said