TORY: GO TO WAR FOR GIB
Howard’s threat in Brexit battle
THERESA May should be prepared to launch a Falklands-style task force to protect Gibraltar, Lord Howard has said.
The former Tory leader said the PM should show the “same resolve” as Margaret Thatcher in defending The Rock. His comments came after Spain was given the power to veto any Brexit deal that applies to Gibraltar.
Lord Howard said: “Thirty-five years ago, another woman Prime Minister sent a task force half way across the world to defend the freedom of another small group of British people [in the Falklands] against another Spanish-speaking country. “I am absolutely certain our current Prime Minister will show the same resolve.” But Lord Howard’s suggestion that the UK could go to war against a Nato ally was mocked by opposition MPs. Labour MP Chris Bryant said: “I thought gunboat diplomacy was a thing of the past but, apparently, the Brexit mob have completely lost the plot.”
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: “It is unbelievable within a week of triggering Article 50, there are Conservatives already discussing potential wars with our European neighbours.
“Brexiteers have gone from cheering to sabre rattling for war in four days, it is absolutely ludicrous.”
Spain has said it will use Brexit to try to establish joint sovereignty.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon defended the Government’s threat to withdraw security cooperation if Brexit talks fail, saying it was “important to link trade and security”.