Jun 22 - Government And Opposition Clash Over Frontier Fence Security
The Government and Opposition clashed yesterday during heated exchanges over the security of the frontier fence.
It started when the GSD issued a press release claiming that there was a large hole in the frontier fence which offered smugglers easy access to the Rock.
Number Six said that this hole had, in fact, been fixed three weeks ago and supplied photos of the Chief Minister visiting the spot yesterday afternoon with John Rodriguez, the Collector of Customs.
A spokesperson for Number Six said: “The frontier fence is regularly and routinely inspected by the relevant authorities. The breach in the frontier fence which Mr Philips referred to was reported to the Government three weeks ago and was immediately fixed.
“Organised criminal gangs based in Spain continually seek to breach the fence. The Government continually invests in its repair. Additionally, the Government since its election has further invested in deterrence in the area with razor / barbed wire and other measures. Additionally, new "no climb" fencing will be deployed as part of the conclusion of the tunnel works and the additional security measures being deployed, which Government will not set out publicly in order to avoid alerting those whose criminal actions these measure are intended to deter.
“The Government takes this opportunity to reassure the public that the security situation regarding the frontier fence has already been reviewed, although there is no evidence to suggest that Gibraltar is under increased security threat. A decision had already been taken to reconstruct and fortify the entire fence as a precaution and as an investment in our future as part of the culmination of the tunnel works.
“Incidentally, the Chief Minister has already dealt with the sensitive issue of how the works to the frontier fence will be carried out, as these require accessing the Spanish side of the frontier and full security clearance will be required for those who will undertake the works which will also be on the site of the tunnel works.”
The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said: ‘The photographs that the Opposition were so eager to make public as an effective advertisement to criminals are thankfully outdated by 3 weeks. Nonetheless the fact that Mr Philips felt it appropriate to publish them reveal just how irresponsible Mr Philips and the Opposition are. What is worse is that they hadn’t even bothered to report the information to the relevant authorities, which could have been extremely dangerous and does nothing constructive for Gibraltar. Whilst Mr Phillips was recklessly alerting the world to a thankfully non-existent hole in our frontier fence, I had already met with the relevant authorities to ensure the security of Gibraltar in the long-term. Whilst the frontier fence is regularly checked and any breaches are quickly fixed, it is important that the fence is reconstructed and fortified with "no climb" variety fencing in order to prevent extra costs or security breaches in the future. I expect that we will be able to work positively and constructively with the Spanish authorities on this matter. But frankly, the Opposition could really learn something from this about doing the right thing for the greater good of the community and not just try to score a cheap political point that can have huge negative consequences for our community."
GSD Claims 20 Men “Armed With Sticks” Entered Via Frontier Fence
The row continued yesterday evening with a further press release from the GSD alleging that on Tuesday night, 20 men armed with sticks entered the tunnel construction site via the holes. The party says that, as a consequence, law enforcement agencies had to deploy in riot gear with dogs and four individuals were arrested.
A statement concluded: “The GSD has also been informed that six Guardia Civil patrol cars also attended the incident on the Spanish side. Although there was no escalation due to the show of force from law enforcement agencies, the incident illustrates the need to deal with these holes and secure the frontier fence post haste.”
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