Gibraltar’s First Minister backs Sun campaign to keep Spain and EU off Our Rock… as Theresa May stokes fears over territory’s future
THE Sun today demands Spain and the EU take their hands off Our Rock.
Our call comes as Theresa May fuelled concern by refusing to rule out talks with Madrid over Gibraltar’s future.
As tensions continue to mount over the 304-year-old British territory, loyal locals appealed for help. Office worker Richard Peliza said: “The UK should not bend.”
Gibraltar’s First Minister Fabian Picardo said: “It’s great to have The Sun onside.”
He called on the Prime Minister to rule out giving Spain any say in the Rock’s future.
Picardo made his plea after May refused to shut the door on possible bilateral talks over Gibraltar during Brexit negotiations.
He said: “It’s time for the British government to rule out any bilateral veto for Spain and stand by Gibraltar.
“Otherwise Spain will be able to dictate terms to us and that will be totally unfair.”
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE ROCK BY DOWNLOADING OUR POSTER OR MOBILE PHONE WALLPAPER NOW!
The First Minister’s fellow Gibraltarians were equally insistent they will never accept Spanish rule.
Office worker Richard Peliza said: “Gibraltar is British and it’s not on the table for talks. The UK should not bend.”
Retired police officer James Parody said: “I’m glad the British bulldog has finally shown its teeth
“The Spanish government had got used to its growling. Now they are seeing Britain means it.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
Vet clinic worker Wayne John said: “Spain and Europe has started this. I don’t want war but they are not f****** around with people like me.
“I will fight for my country whatever it takes.”
The Sun’s sending a powerful message
Patriotic Joseph Gonzalez, treasurer at the Gibraltar Astronomical Society, posted a picture of the Union Flag on Facebook with the message: “These colours don’t run. They stand and fight back.”
British tourists in Gibraltar were similarly defiant.
Army veteran David Lindop, from Crewe, said: “Gibraltar is part of the UK and I like sitting here eating fish and chips.
“It’s one of my favourite places to be.”
Richard Browning, from London, said: “Spain needs us more than they need Gibraltar.
“We turn our backs on Spain and they’ll soon shut up.”
Tensions have continued over Gibraltar, which has been British territory since 1713.
EU officials started the row on Friday by trying to give Madrid a full veto over the Rock’s status after Brexit.
May said: “We have been very clear that the sovereignty of Gibraltar has not changed and will not change.”
But she did not rule out talks with Spain. Instead, the PM said she hoped negotiations would result in the “best possible” deal for Madrid too.
For more on this story...
Listen to Julia Hartley-Brewer today from 10am on 0344 499 1000
Listen on DAB, via the talkRADIO app or online at
Spain, which claims it should have sovereignty over Gibraltar, is expected to demand an end to the Rock’s low tax status, a ban on international airlines at its airport and the departure of the Royal Navy presence.
The Sun urges our loyal readers to make the strength of feeling known on keeping Gibraltar British.
We have a special poster for all patriots to display in their windows which you can download here and print off.
You can also download a copy for your mobile phone here and set it as your lock screen or desktop wallpaper.
Our reporters will also be in Gibraltar to distribute the paper and the posters in a sign of solidarity. Picardo thanked us for our support, adding: “The Sun’s reputation proceeds it.
“It’s always The Sun what wins it, so it’s great to have The Sun onside.”
We were also backed by Tory MP Jack Lopresti, head of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar.
These colours don’t run. They stand and fight back
He said: “What The Sun is doing is sending a very powerful message to show British people are full square behind the people of Gibraltar. It is an excellent idea and I commend The Sun for doing it.
“Sitting down with Spain to discuss Gibraltar’s future on a bilateral basis should be completely out of the question.”
EU officials said Brussels would not back down on the veto offer to Spain.
An EU Commission spokesman said it is “100 per cent behind the draft guidelines” for Brexit negotiations.
Spain also appeared taken back by the strength of resolve in Britain with its Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis admitting the Madrid government were “a little surprised at the tone generated” in the UK.
Mr Dastis also said the comments by ex-Tory leader Lord Howard, who likened the Gibraltar row to the Falklands War, suggested “someone in the UK is losing their nerve.”
Ex-Royal Navy chief Lord West stressed that Gibraltar was strategically extremely important to Britain.
Lord West said: “It’s where we can monitor all shipping on the surface and below going in and out of the Med. The Americans are delighted we’re there.”
MPs were warned three months ago Spain would use Gibraltar as a Brexit bargaining chip.
First Minister Picardo predicted Spain would raise the issue when EU states sought a common position on Brexit talks.
He said the Spanish Foreign Minister had “written to all the EU capitals to put his views on shared sovereignty over Gibraltar as the price for maintaining a relationship with the EU.”
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE ROCK BY DOWNLOADING OUR POSTER OR MOBILE PHONE WALLPAPER NOW!