Recent diplomatic leaks highlight the UK’s compliance with Spanish demands during negotiations over Gibraltar, igniting further controversy over the territory’s future and sovereignty.
Leaked diplomatic cables have revealed the UK’s compliance with Spanish demands during recent negotiations concerning Gibraltar, escalating tensions between the two nations. The issue surfaced after the cancellation of a Red Arrows display in Gibraltar last September, which Spanish authorities considered a “hostile act”. The British Embassy in Spain labeled the decision to cancel as “unnecessary, unconstructive, and provocative”. This incident reflects a pattern of event cancellations in Gibraltar aimed at mitigating Spanish opposition over the years.
The sovereignty of Gibraltar, a British territory since 1713, has long been a contentious issue with Spain, and disputes have intensified since the UK’s exit from the EU. According to the cables, direct warnings from Spain influenced the British decision to cancel the display, prompting debates on Spain’s influence over British activities in the region and concerns about Gibraltar’s autonomy.
Despite these tensions, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo is hopeful about reaching a post-Brexit agreement with Spain regarding border checks and transit. Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence has justified the cancellations on operational grounds.
In related developments, discussions in Brussels on Gibraltar’s future outside the Schengen zone are ongoing, involving Gibraltar and Spain. These talks aim to establish a trade and border agreement, responsive to the fact that 96% of Gibraltarians voted to remain in the EU. Topics such as border control at Gibraltar’s airport are being addressed, with potential support from the EU border agency Frontex considered. The negotiations underscore the importance of maintaining sovereignty while seeking functional agreements that benefit both Gibraltar and the surrounding Spanish regions.
