PM ‘would go to war’ to defend Gibraltar – claim
AFORMER Tory leader has been accused of “sabrerattling for war” in appearing to relish the prospect of military conflict between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar.
Michael Howard compared Theresa May’s promise to stand by Gibraltar during the Brexit negotiations to the Thatcher government’s decision to go to war over the Falklands, in an interview on Sky News.
Lord Howard, who grew up in Llanelli, said he was “absolutely certain” Theresa May would “show the same resolve”.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: “Brexiteers have gone from cheering to sabre-rattling for war in four days. It is absolutely ludicrous.”
Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the rock must be given the same deal as the rest of the UK in the Brexit negotiations.
Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood urged Mrs May to support major devolution so the Assembly is not left as a “puppet parliament” in a post-Brexit UK.
FORMER Tory leader Lord Howard has suggested Theresa May would be prepared to go to war over Gibraltar as the Prime Minister vowed not to trade away the Rock’s sovereignty in the Brexit process.
The issue of Gibraltar was raised in the draft EU negotiating guidelines circulated by European Council president Donald Tusk, which indicated Madrid would be given a veto over the British overseas territory’s participation in a future deal.
The Prime Minister spoke to Gibraltar’s leader Fabian Picardo to tell him the UK remained “absolutely dedicated to working with Gibraltar for the best possible outcome on Brexit”.
While there was no mention of Spain’s claim to sovereignty in the EU document, the specific mention of a role for the Madrid government in deciding whether a trade deal would apply to the Rock has caused unease in Westminster.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said that in the call with chief minister Mr Picardo, Mrs May “reiterated our long-standing position that the UK remains steadfastly committed to our support for Gibraltar, its people and its economy”.
“The Prime Minister said we will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely and democratically expressed wishes, nor will we ever enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.
“The Prime Minister said we remain absolutely dedicated to working with Gibraltar for the best possible outcome on Brexit and will continue to involve them fully in the process.”
Lord Howard, who was brought up in Llanelli, compared the situation to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands.
He told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge yesterday: “Thirty-five years ago this week, another woman prime minister sent a taskforce halfway across the world to defend the freedom of another small group of British people against another Spanish-speaking country, and I’m absolutely certain that our current prime minister will show the same resolve in standing by the people of Gibraltar.”
Spain has a long-standing territorial claim on Gibraltar, which has been held by the UK since 1713 and has the status of a British overseas territory.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon vowed to protect Gibraltar “all the way” during the Brexit process.
The issue was not mentioned in Mrs May’s Article 50 letter but Sir Michael told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show: “Gibraltar is going to be protected all the way because the sovereignty of Gibraltar cannot be changed without the agreement of the people of Gibraltar and they have made it very clear they do not want to live under Spanish rule.
“It is interesting in the draft guidelines from the EU that Spain is not saying that the whole thing is subject to the transfer of sovereignty.”
Mr Picardo has lobbied ministers to ensure its interests are represented and said the issue was referred to “tangentially” in Mrs May’s letter, which referenced the Government’s white paper on Brexit.
He told the Andrew Marr Show: “I’m not thrilled that we are in the situation in which we are – Gibraltar voted 96% to remain.
“But we have energetically and enthusiastically decided that we have to support the Prime Minister in this process of making Brexit a success for Britain and for Gibraltar.
“Therein lies the rub. When we get the deal on Brexit, it must be a deal that applies across the United Kingdom in respect of future trade and if there is such a deal, it is only fair, proper and right that it should also apply to Gibraltar.”
After speaking to Mrs May “at length”, he said she was “very supportive”.
Opposition politicians condemned the comments from Lord Howard.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “It is unbelievable that within a week of triggering Article 50 there are Conservatives already discussing potential wars with our European neighbours.
“In only a few days the Conservative right are turning long-term allies into potential enemies.
“I hope this isn’t a sign of the Government’s approach to the long negotiations to come
“Brexiteers have gone from cheering to sabre rattling for war in four days, it is absolutely ludicrous.”
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said: “Inflammatory comments like those by Michael Howard will not help Britain get what it needs from these difficult Brexit negotiations.
“Sadly, it’s typical of the botched Tory approach which threatens a bad deal for Britain.
“Labour is clear that the sovereignty of Gibraltar must be protected and that the interests of British citizens in Gibraltar are safeguarded.”