Eight US congress members have tabled a resolution calling for the House of Representatives to formally recognize Gibraltar’s right to self-determination.<br />
The bi-partisan move highlights the wishes of the Gibraltarians and underscores the deep historical links between the Rock and the US, highlighting its strategic position for US military interests.
Gibraltar Governor Sir James Dutton has publicly voiced strong support for the deployment of a larger British naval vessel to patrol Gibraltar’s territorial waters.
Sir James, a retired Royal Marine with a distinguished military record, said such a move would send “a really valuable message” in the face of persistent incursions by Spanish state vessels.
Sixty years after her last visit the Chief Minister has called on Queen Elizabeth II to visit Gibraltar. He did so in a dramatic call during his National day speech. Fabian Picardo was flanked on stage by Gibraltar Government Ministers, Opposition MPs and a contingent of visiting British MPs and MEPs.
The British Government has confirmed that after the “disappointment” of delays it has now reached “agreement in principle to the terms for talks and are discussing with both the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Gibraltar how and when talks can be organized.”
Gibraltar's competitive football debut ended in a predictably one-sided 7-0 loss to Poland on Sunday when the team predominantly made up of amateurs started 2016 European Championship qualifying.
The Gibraltar government welcomed the call by three senior Spanish politicians for Spain, the UK and Gibraltar to engage in dialogue. The call was made public in a joint statement issued by former senior Spanish politicians Pepe Carracao, Rafael Roman and Salvador de la Encina.
Spain accused Britain of “unacceptable interference” for launching a diplomatic protest over the actions of a Spanish navy vessel off Gibraltar.
The Foreign Office has summoned the Spanish Ambassador to the UK to underline serious concern at the activity of a Spanish Navy vessel in international waters off Gibraltar on Wednesday.
Neil Costa, Gibraltar Minister for Tourism, Commercial Affairs, Public Transport and the Port, has welcomed the introduction of new port fee discounts and said they will further enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Gibraltar.
UK Minister for Europe David Lidington welcomed Thursday’s return visit to Gibraltar by the European Commission to review progress towards addressing delays at the Gibraltar-Spain Border. Lidington recently visited Gibraltar to check the situation at the border and incursions by Spanish vessels of the Rock's waters.