Mar 26 - UK Government to Continue Current ‘Passive’ Stance on Spain
Sitting before the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee this week, Foreign Secretary William Hague was quizzed on the Committee’s recent visit to Gibraltar. Chairman Sir Richard Ottaway commented on the behaviour of frontier officials at the Gibraltar/ Spain border and its affects on Gibraltar’s economy. He noted that trade was down by 12% and asked Mr. Hague if it was time to review the UK’s policy on the situation ‘and see to what extent we can persuade Spain to adopt a more user-friendly approach towards Gibraltar?’
In his response the Foreign Secretary noted that bilateral relations were difficult, he added, ‘several times in the past year, we have had to express our concern very clearly and forcefully to the Spanish Government, including instances on which we have called in the Spanish ambassador. Indeed, last summer in particular I and the Prime Minister called our Spanish counterparts to complain about the situation, including Spanish incursions into British-Gibraltar territorial waters. It is in the interests of all concerned for us to find a better way and for Spain to find a better way to work with Gibraltar. That is why I proposed in April 2012 ad hoc talks that would allow various issues to be discussed. That of course does not include discussing sovereignty over Gibraltar, but there are many other practical issues that ought to be discussed. That offer remains on the table. We will continue to respond robustly, as we do, but continue to offer a way forward for all concerned.’
Commenting further on the matter of border delays and the European Commission’s recommendations to Gibraltar, Jill Morris, the FCO’s Director for Europe stated that the Gibraltar Government has responded to the Commission’s recommendations explaining the implementation of the Commission’s recommended border controls. The FCO, and their representation in Brussels, continue ‘to urge the Spanish Government to make the changes necessary, as the Commission has pointed out, to reduce the delays we are still seeing at the border.'
Committee member Mr. Baron asked what the next move for the UK government is, of the recommended border controls do not make a difference to lengthy queues for pedestrians, motor vehicles and bicycles. Mr. Hague responded with, ‘I think it is right for the moment to maintain the stance that I have set out. It is quite right for us in Parliament to debate these things and for Members to put forward alternative ways of proceeding, but I do not want to announce or decide today any new way or different policy stance in the part of the United Kingdom, because we want to make work what we have set out.’
He went on to reiterate the UK Government’s commitment to the people of Gibraltar. Sir John Stanley questioned Minister Hague on the UK Government’s passive nature towards both air and sea incursions but Spanish state vessels and planes. Mr. Hague insisted that the Government is not passive on these issues, which are part of the long-standing Spanish approach. He added that the UK Government thoroughly disapproves of many aspects of Spanish behaviour on Gibraltar. On the issues of Military incursions, Jill Morris claimed that she has been in touch with the MOD for an answer on the matter.
