Spain has said it will formally propose to the European Union that the question of Gibraltar be treated separately when it negotiates Britain’s exit. The acting Foreign Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo reminded journalists in Spain that when Britain leaves all EU treaties will stop applying to the Rock.
The Spanish government has called for joint sovereignty over Gibraltar in the wake of the UK's vote to leave the EU. The British overseas territory of 30,000 voted overwhelmingly for remain, with 95.9% opting to stay in the union.
Conservative member of the European Parliament, MEP, Julie Girling has rubbished suggestions by the Acting Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, that Gibraltar will have to contemplate a joint UK/Spain sovereignty arrangement in the event of a Leave vote in the European Union referendum.
Britain's Foreign Secretary's arrival and departure flights into Gibraltar last week were not allowed to overfly Spanish territory and flew over Portugal instead. This was one of several hostility incidents of Spanish officials towards London. The overfly ban was confirmed to Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation by the Convent (Governor's residence in the Rock).
Argentina and Spain have decided to re-launch bilateral mechanisms that have been “asleep” for too long, promoting political and trade relations, said Argentine foreign minister Susana Malcorra who on Monday met with her visiting Spanish peer, Jose Manuel García/Margallo.
Spain’s Socialist party would continue to advocate “dialogue and friendship” with Gibraltar even if the UK voted to leave the European Union, the PSOE’s MP for Cádiz said during a visit to the Rock.
The caretaker Spanish Foreign Secretary, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, has declared that he will bring up the question of Gibraltar ‘the very next day’ if the UK votes to leave the European Union on 23rd June. The interview has been described by the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo as an example of why it's so much more important for Gibraltar to remain in Europe.
The governments of Spain and Iran are discussing the possible construction of an Iranian-owned refinery in Algeciras, Spain and across from Gibraltar, after the Islamic Republic re-opens for business following the lifting of international sanctions.
Spanish Foreign Secretary Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo has delivered what could possibly be his last comment on Spain’s claim to Gibraltar’s sovereignty in his current role. The official has jumped on the bandwagon of a new Argentine platform seeking international support for the return of the Falkland Islands and urging UK to agree to bilateral talks over Gibraltar’s sovereignty.
In a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on October 1, it was announced that the new Governor of Gibraltar would be former Royal Marine Lieutenant General Edward (Ed) Davis CB CBE.