May 13 - GSD Calls For More Assertive Approach From UK Following Guardia Civil Incident
The GSD says it has taken time to consider the latest unacceptable incident at sea where two locals were harassed by officers of the Guardia Civil in Gibraltar’s territorial waters and where, unfortunately, a police officer was injured in the line of duty.
The GSD says it fully supports the courageous work of local law enforcement agencies in their efforts but stresses that their role is not to defend the integrity of BGTW against incursions from Foreign State vessels. This is a matter for the Royal Navy and the United Kingdom Government, said the Opposition.
The GSD says it understands the frustration that must be felt by law enforcement officers in dealing with these issues when no resolution appears to be in sight and the party calls on the United Kingdom Government to defend the integrity of Gibraltar’s waters against Foreign State vessels in the same way as they would do so in British waters around the United Kingdom. The GSD says that if the United Kingdom persists in simply dealing with matter by way of diplomatic protests, these incidents will continue and they will one day lead to a serious injury or worse.
GSD Spokesman, Mr Louis Wink said “These officers are risking their lives in the protection of their fellow citizens who are going about their lawful activities within our waters. These officers are constantly facing very tense situations against armed agents from another country exercising executive action where they have no jurisdiction whatsoever.”
“The United Kingdom must be more assertive and find a solution to this situation, a situation which has been allowed to go on for too long now with no progress being made”
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