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Jul 12 - Protest Held Against Spanish King's State Visit To The UK

A group of protestors were stood outside Number Six today protesting against the Spanish King’s formal visit to the UK.

The protest, which included the Gibraltar flag and the Union Jack and posters, was held ahead of King Felipe’s speech in the UK Parliament and the possibility of him mentioning Gibraltar.

While some UK MPs have said they will walk out of the House of Commons if Gibraltar is mentioned, this group led by Simy Herbert and Trevor Bickerstaff, co-founders of Gibraltar’s New Movement, wanted to raise awareness in Gibraltar.

Locals and visitors alike stopped to enquire about what was happening, and either agreeing with the protest or getting into heated discussions with the protestors if their views differed. 

Mr Bickerstaff took a moment out of the peaceful protest to speak to YGTV.

He said: “We’ve done this protest on the spur of the moment because the Spanish King has gone to the UK and he will be addressing Parliament, and we are in protest with the Spanish King’s visit to the UK.

“We even signed a petition for the Queen to visit Gibraltar, which she is unable to attend, but we want it made known that we disagree with the Spanish state visit to the UK, and if he mentions anything about Gibraltar, we are fully in protest about whatever they might mentioned.

“We are sick and fed up of all the incursions and all the insults and abuse and their attempt to try and grab Gibraltar’s sovereignty over the wishes of the people of Gibraltar.

“What Spain should do is respect the wishes of the people of Gibraltar, and respect that Gibraltar’s sovereignty is British and we will not share it with anyone.”

Mr Bickerstaff referred to the Treaty of Versailles, where the Balearic Islands and some of Florida were given to Spain, but added that the Spanish King and Spanish Government should respect the agreements they have made with the British Government in the past, adding that they have given Gibraltar in perpetuity, which he added, meant forever. 

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