‘This is a SPANISH problem!’ EU won’t split Gibraltar from the UK, blasts group vice-chair

The vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gibraltar claimed the British territory’s sovereignty was secure and accused Spain of stirring up issues.

On Friday, it emerged the Spanish have secured a special veto over Gibraltar’s future relationship with Europe, meaning it can prevent any post-Brexit trade deal with the UK from applying there. 

Speaking on Channel 4, the MP for Romford said Brexit was vital for Gibraltar to keep its sovereignty.

“The reality is that the United Kingdom has to be an independent nation for Gibraltar to continue to be sovereign and for the people of Gibraltar to have self determination,” he said.

GETTY•CHANNEL 4

Andrew Rosindell claimed issues over Gibraltar were a “Spanish problem”

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It’s not Gibraltar’s problem, not at all, it is the Spanish problem

Andrew Rosindell

“So, actually this is a Spanish problem. It is Madrid that keeps talking about the status of the Rock but it’s the people of Gibraltar that should make that choice and they’ve made that choice and they’re staying British.

“It’s not Gibraltar’s problem, not at all, it is the Spanish problem. Gibraltar has no problem, they just want to live peacefully with their neighbours.

“It’s Madrid that keeps causing all these problems, not Gibraltar and not London.” 

Spain’s veto provoked an immediate response from Westminster with MPs saying Gibraltar’s 30,000 strong population, who overwhelmingly backed Remain but also want to stay British, must not be used as bargaining chips. 

Mr Rosindell added if Spain tried to stop the Rock being part of any Brexit deal the UK would simply walk away from the table. 

The backbencher said: “An agreement without including Gibraltar means there can be no agreement. British people must and will stand together, we cannot be bullied by Spain.”