Tensions have been rising between Spain and the United Kingdom over a dispute concerning Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory of 2.6 sq. miles at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar has been held by Britain since 1704, and the contentions that have arisen many times over the past three centuries between the Spain and the UK have often been quelled by militia force. However, in this latest disagreement, despite docking a warship in Gibraltar the UK has announced its intentions to pursue legal action against Spain.
The Gibraltar border crossing into Spain has seen the worst tension as the border police started checking each vehicle to cross the border. Drivers have been forced to wait up to 7 hours to cross the border and Spain recently announced that they are also considering imposing a border crossing tax of 50 Euros (approximately $67).
Spain commented that it had an “obligation” to police its border and insisted its controls were legal. The financially-stressed country insists that the checks are essential to stop smuggling, which it alleges has been common in and around the area, and officials have not announced any intention to relax border controls.
The UK, however, is convinced that the heightened security is solely a political stunt by the Spanish government intended to take public notice off of domestic issues, explained Ashley Fox, representative of south-west England and Gibraltar. He further stated that Spain’s actions were motivated by political and economic weaknesses in the country.
The issue marring relations between the countries is a dispute concerning ocean boundaries and fishing rights. A “cement reef” was recently installed by the UK in the Bay of Gibraltar, but it has reportedly been causing havoc on Spanish fishing boats and nets. The UK claims its cement reef helps local marine life and prevents overfishing, while Spain argues that it hurts its already frustrated fishermen.
The arguments are endless, and the UK wants to settle this by seeking legal action with the UN. Neither Britain nor Gibraltar are part of the Schengen group of countries which have ended border checks, meaning that Spain may be well within its rights. Although border checks are permitted, James Robbins, BBC diplomatic correspondent, explained, “Any checks regarded as excessive could be illegal.” On Monday, the European Commission warned Spain that a border toll would violate European law, but it agreed to send a team of inspectors to Gibraltar to inspect whether the territory truly had become what the Spanish Prime Minster called a "hub of money laundering and tobacco trafficking," prompting the border checks.
Which country has the better cause is disputable, but the facts remain the same. There is tension at Gibraltar that needs to be resolved. This small piece of land has been the cause of contention between the two countries for 300 years, but hopefully diplomatic relations will improve to prevent future tension.
Video by Euronews.
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Video Wednesday: UK Considers Legal Action Against Spain in Gibraltar Dispute
August 21, 2013
Tensions have been rising between Spain and the United Kingdom over a dispute concerning Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory of 2.6 sq. miles at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar has been held by Britain since 1704, and the contentions that have arisen many times over the past three centuries between the Spain and the UK have often been quelled by militia force. However, in this latest disagreement, despite docking a warship in Gibraltar the UK has announced its intentions to pursue legal action against Spain.
The Gibraltar border crossing into Spain has seen the worst tension as the border police started checking each vehicle to cross the border. Drivers have been forced to wait up to 7 hours to cross the border and Spain recently announced that they are also considering imposing a border crossing tax of 50 Euros (approximately $67).
Spain commented that it had an “obligation” to police its border and insisted its controls were legal. The financially-stressed country insists that the checks are essential to stop smuggling, which it alleges has been common in and around the area, and officials have not announced any intention to relax border controls.
The UK, however, is convinced that the heightened security is solely a political stunt by the Spanish government intended to take public notice off of domestic issues, explained Ashley Fox, representative of south-west England and Gibraltar. He further stated that Spain’s actions were motivated by political and economic weaknesses in the country.
The issue marring relations between the countries is a dispute concerning ocean boundaries and fishing rights. A “cement reef” was recently installed by the UK in the Bay of Gibraltar, but it has reportedly been causing havoc on Spanish fishing boats and nets. The UK claims its cement reef helps local marine life and prevents overfishing, while Spain argues that it hurts its already frustrated fishermen.
The arguments are endless, and the UK wants to settle this by seeking legal action with the UN. Neither Britain nor Gibraltar are part of the Schengen group of countries which have ended border checks, meaning that Spain may be well within its rights. Although border checks are permitted, James Robbins, BBC diplomatic correspondent, explained, “Any checks regarded as excessive could be illegal.” On Monday, the European Commission warned Spain that a border toll would violate European law, but it agreed to send a team of inspectors to Gibraltar to inspect whether the territory truly had become what the Spanish Prime Minster called a "hub of money laundering and tobacco trafficking," prompting the border checks.
Which country has the better cause is disputable, but the facts remain the same. There is tension at Gibraltar that needs to be resolved. This small piece of land has been the cause of contention between the two countries for 300 years, but hopefully diplomatic relations will improve to prevent future tension.
Video by Euronews.
