Regarding this afternoon’s announcement by the European Commission that their fact finding mission found no fault with Spanish border checks, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have welcomed the recommendation that the Spanish Government should take measures to ensure that the frontier functions efficiently, as well as their decision to review the situation once again in six months.

However, the FCO insists that frontier delays of up to four hours for vehicles and pedestrians, remain unacceptable. An FCO spokesman explained that they, as well as the Government of Gibraltar, have suggested simple measures that Spain could take to increase frontier efficiency, including adding extra lanes and resources for vehicles.

The spokesperson continued, ‘we remain confident that the Spanish government has acted – and continues to act – unlawfully, through introducing disproportionate and politically motivated checks at the Gibraltar-Spain border.  Commission is clearly concerned by the situation, as they: have made recommendations to Spain to improve border functioning; have committed to remain engaged and review in 6 months; are reserving the right to reconsider; and have explicitly opened up the possibility of another visit in their letter.’