Cameron sacrificing the future of Gibraltar to secure hoped-for reforms in Europe, says Tory MP

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Published on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 06:40
Written by Administrator2
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David Cameron has been accused of sacrificing the future of Gibraltar. Andrew Rosindell MP made his comments just days after the Government confirmed it would not take Spain to the European Court over its repeated flouting of British sovereignty in Gibraltar.

“The fact is that the FCO does not want to upset Spain. And the truth behind this is that it’s all tied in with Britain’s wheeling and dealing over the EU. Gibraltar is just a pawn,” said Mr Rosindell.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has been tasked with visiting 13 nations, including Spain, over the next two months to discuss David Cameron’s EU reform plans and emphasise “shared issues”

Mr. Rosindell added: “If reform of the EU means that we have to sacrifice the rights and freedoms of British citizens then it’s not the reform that is going to be acceptable to most people. They will not stand for Britain negotiating the rights of British citizens purely to appease the likes of Brussels and Madrid.”

A report in yesterday’s Express adds that it has emerged that Spanish shipping pilots have begun leading merchant vessels through British waters off the Rock without consulting Gibraltar authorities, sparking new safety fears of a naval collision.

 

“This has happened six times in the last month,” said a Gibraltar Government source. “The problem with this goes far beyond the blatant incursion into British sovereign waters. The real danger is that they are not communicating at all with us, and have no idea about shipping traffic. This is dangerous and could lead to a collision.”

HANDS TIED

David Lidington was subjected to a barrage of attacks over the Government’s failure to stand up to Spain, during a heated debate in Parliament on Thursday.

One MP told the Sunday Express that Mr Lidington was “clearly and genuinely frustrated” over the issue,” adding: “I met with David as soon as the debate was over and he made his feelings clear. It’s obvious that his hands are tied.”

 

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