Gibraltar 'close to British hearts', but plenty of room for 'practical dialogue'

Wednesday, April 9th 2014 - 07:08 UTC

Full article 7 comments

UK Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley has told a Spanish newspaper that British people hold Gibraltar ‘close to their hearts’ and that delays at the border are politically motivated. He underscored Britain and Gibraltar’s desire to engage in “practical” dialogue toward better cross-border relations that would benefit communities on either side of the frontier fence. Read full article

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Anglotino
So with all the kerfuffle by Spain over the past year or so; the truly has been?

Gibraltar investigating incorporating the Shengen Acquis.

Own goal Spain. Way to go.
?
Apr 09th, 2014 - 07:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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GeoffWard2
'But the Madrid-based ambassador also acknowledged “differences” over Gibraltar.'

... gentle ambassador-speak:
the key difference is that Gib. IS British
and it is NOT Spanish.

If this expresses itself - for Spanish political reasons - as border delays, fishing incursions, etc. then so be it; everything passes once the political reason goes away.
Apr 09th, 2014 - 10:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Conqueror
Here are the simple “accommodations” that need to be made:
1) The Cervantes Institute needs to be kicked, literally, out of Gibraltar. A foreign propaganda agency on your own territory?
2) The Royal Gibraltar Regiment could be deployed to the frontier to oppose the Guardia Civil. Shoot to kill within rules of engagement. Like 'only shoot if it's spanish'.
3) The Royal Navy needs to be upgraded and “released”. Corvettes would be best, but frigates for the time being.
4) A “flight” of RAF Typhoons.
5) A “flight” of Army Air Corps Apache attack helicopters.

Britain MUST comply with its obligations.
Apr 09th, 2014 - 05:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Brit Bob
The UK must publically challenge Spain to take its pathetically weak sovereignty, territorial waters and Isthmus claims to the ICJ.
Apr 09th, 2014 - 07:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Vestige
1 - Yeah, lets hope Schengen doesn't get incorporated, having absolutely no border with Spain a short walk away would really seal the deal.

A bi-lingual borderless town dwarfed by a surrounding Spanish region, filled with Spanish workers and shoppers now coming and going freely under EU law.
That'll be game over for Spain eh.
Apr 10th, 2014 - 12:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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GeoffWard2
'Britain MUST comply with its obligations.'

The agreements of protection that The UK and Gib. entered into really do demand more in the way of military intervention and support.

The same is true with the US & UK agreements to protect The Ukraine from attack and annexation by other nations. We see pusillanimity here also.
Apr 10th, 2014 - 07:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Anglotino
Vestige.

But still British. You seem to keep forgetting that part.

But if that is your prediction then I assume Spain will openly support Gibraltar's entry.
Apr 11th, 2014 - 10:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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