Sunday, 29 June 2014

David Lidington - UK MP and Minister of State for Europe - to visit Gibraltar Monday 30th June 2014


David Lidington to visit Gibraltar!

It is no coincidence that Mr Lidington is to visit Gibraltar at the same time as the EU Commission! I am sure there will be many private and confidential meetings between both about the Frontier Queues and the effects on both sides of the border!

So let us introduce to you who this man is and why it is very important that he is coming to visit. 

Gibraltar and us the people welcome with open arms his visit to our country! We hope he will see the truth and speak and do actions as words alone mean nothing as we already know!

Our biggest challenge is convincing this gentleman that words alone mean nothing! We h ope to emphasise that he and the UK Government as a whole, the Foreign Commonwealth Office and our Governor have done little to help us and protect the sovereignty of our British Territorial waters!

We will not only address the issues at the Frontier but rather the many incursions by the Spanish para military, the hate campaign by Spain and the lack of action via diplomacy!

We will reiterate that we demand and deserve the same protection as they do with the Falklands and how they protect the seas around UK! We want no more and no less than that!

For over two years I have been requesting a meeting with Mr LIdington and finally my request has been granted. It will be an honour and a privilege to finally meet the man behind the FCO!

It is very important that this gentleman continues to visit Gibraltar so that he knows the real truth as experienced by the people!  The people who live and breathe these issues and whom have no political involvement!

Who is David Lidington?

He is a British Politician
His full name is David Roy Lidington PC is a British Conservative Party politician, who has been Member of Parliament for Aylesbury since 1992. He is currently a Minister of State at the Foreign Office, serving as Minister for Europe.



David Lidington B

Q&A David Lidington - UK's minister for Europe

Since May 2010, he has been Minister for Europe at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This responsibility includes the overseas territories of Gibraltar and Akrotiri and Dhekelia. He is currently involved in resolving a range of issues related to Gibraltar, including the current fishing dispute, recent incidents in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and the potential impact on Gibraltar of changes to online gambling taxation.
December 14th, 2012

The Report Company: How important is Gibraltar to the UK and why?

David Lidington: Gibraltar has been British for over 300 years. The Gibraltarian people have made it clear that they wish to remain British. This fact is at the heart of the UK’s commitment to Gibraltar. It is reflected in the strong ties between Gibraltar and the UK, such as the business links between the City of London and Gibraltar’s financial services centre, and Gibraltar’s continuing valued contribution to our Armed Forces and security interests. Gibraltar is one of the UK’s Permanent Joint Operating Bases and can be used for forward mounting of operations in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Gulf. Members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment are currently serving in Afghanistan.

TRC: In your view, is Gibraltar’s separate yet linked to the UK status within the EU a problematic issue?

DL: No, I don’t see this as problematic. Gibraltar’s status within the EU reflects Gibraltar’s constitutional relationship with the UK, which has been determined by the UK and Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s current constitution dates from 2006. Following negotiations between the UK and Gibraltar, it was approved in a referendum in Gibraltar by over 60% of those who voted. As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar has its own government and is a separate jurisdiction, not part of the UK. Gibraltar is therefore within the EU as a European territory for whose external relations the UK is responsible.

TRC: Given that the prime minister is keen on renegotiating parts of the UK’s agreement with the EU, do you think the EU catch-all legislation disadvantages small jurisdictions like Gibraltar?

DL: I don’t believe that it is valid to conclude that Gibraltar is disadvantaged in its relationship with the EU because of its size. Under the terms of the UK’s membership of the EU, Gibraltar has a unique status within the EU. Significant parts of EU law do not apply to Gibraltar. These include the free movement of goods, the Common Customs Tariff, the common commercial policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and all EU rules relating to value added taxes and turnover taxes. The application to Gibraltar of EU law in other areas confers benefits on Gibraltar, as well as obligations. For example, Gibraltar’s inclusion in the single market in services enables its financial services sector, which accounts for around 22% of gross domestic product, to access a market of more than half a billion people. Ultimately, it is for the government and people of Gibraltar to judge whether the benefits of Gibraltar’s status within the EU outweigh the negative aspects of any obligations involved. The UK Government works closely with HM Government of Gibraltar on all relevant aspects of Gibraltar’s participation in the EU and will continue to do so.

TRC: There are disputes with Spain over the operation of the frontier and breaches of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. How do you see relationships developing?

DL: I believe that the UK and Gibraltar have an equal interest in productive relationships with Spain. For the UK, Spain is an important ally in the EU, NATO and the Council of Europe. Gibraltar has strong economic ties with Spain, with significant cross-border trade and exchange. It is estimated that up to 800,000 British nationals live in Spain all or part of the year. Local organisations estimate that some 5000 Spanish citizens go to work every day in Gibraltar. Mutual cooperation has the potential to benefit us all. We should therefore look to the future and work to develop the relationships between the UK, Spain and Gibraltar. However, the UK Government is clear that we will not concede on sovereignty or compromise on our responsibilities for Gibraltar. We will continue to oppose any challenge to our sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. We will also take whatever action is appropriate to support the free movement of people between Gibraltar and Spain.

TRC: What is the British government doing to assist Gibraltar and is there more that can still be done to improve the situation?

DL: The most important thing that the UK Government can do – and which we are doing - is to work closely with HM Government of Gibraltar to tackle any issues that could undermine confidence in Gibraltar. As a responsible sovereign, our diplomatic support for Gibraltar is focussed on efforts to resolve our differences with Spain and ensure that tensions do not cause damage to Gibraltar. This includes defending Gibraltar’s rights and interests in the EU and other international fora on tax and other issues that could affect Gibraltar’s economy.
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Courtesy Gibraltar Chronicle on this gentleman.

Lidington insists on diplomacy to counter ‘unlawful’ Spain

by Brian Reyes



 A senior Foreign Office minister yesterday raised the past spectre of a closed border and warned that Britain must be careful how it responds to ‘unlawful’ Spanish pressure on Gibraltar, suggesting that Madrid could be capable of even tougher measures.
Europe Minister David Lidington said the British Government remained firmly committed to standing by Gibraltar and protecting the wishes and rights of its people.

 But he said that upping the ante in the dispute with Spain could have serious negative consequences for the Rock.
The solution to Spanish incursions and border delays lay in diplomacy, although Britain would consider other options including legal action if necessary, he added.

“What is happening in respect of both incursions and border checks is wrong and illegal and unacceptable, but it is not by any means as bad as what some previous administrations in Spain have done in the past in respect of Gibraltar,” Mr Lidington said.

“There are things that Spain has rightly refrained from doing.”

“It doesn’t justify anything they’ve done at the moment, but I do think they calibrate what they do.”

Mr Lidington was speaking during an evidence session of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, during which he faced tough questions on the British Government’s response to Spanish actions targeting the Rock.

Members of the committee said Spain was piling pressure on Gibraltar and breaking EU laws in doing so.

Britain’s response, meanwhile, was “far too diplomatic”, said Tory MP Andrew Rosindell summing up the mood in the committee.

The minister countered that Britain had repeatedly stated

that its relationship with Spain could be at the expense of Gibraltar’s security and prosperity.

But he also highlighted that UK national interests had to be factored into the equations and that escalation would benefit no one.

“It is important that we seek to avoid a situation in which Gibraltar ends up being worse off than it is at the moment,” Mr Lidington countered.

“We went through a period, looking right back to the late 70s and early 80s, when the border was closed entirely. That would be worse for Gibraltar than the situation that we have at the moment.”

“The fact of geography means that it is relatively easy for Spain, if she were to be that maliciously intended, to squeeze Gibraltar more tightly.”

“We have to continue with the diplomatic approach and we have to continue to highlight internationally the fact that our sovereignty over Gibraltar does not stem from some outmoded conception of colonialism, but from the repeated democratically expressed wishes of the people of Gibraltar themselves.”

Time and again throughout the session, Mr Lidington insisted that diplomacy was the only answer. He rejected the suggestion that Britain’s response was not having any effect on Spain, citing the steps taken to end Spanish attention on bunkering as an example.

“An all-out Spanish blockade of Gibraltar, [or] a determined assault on key economic interests like the bunkering industry clearly would take us into a more dangerous situation that would merit a different sort of British response,” Mr Lidington said.

“But frankly it is not in Gibraltar’s interests or the United Kingdom’s interests or Spain’s interests to get into that situation.”

‘REGRET’

The session came just a few weeks after the committee’s members travelled to Gibraltar to see and hear at first-hand of the problems faced by people here.

Their questions were very focused and often highly specific, reflecting many of the concerns raised by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo during his evidence in Gibraltar.

Labour MP Mike Gapes said the attitude of Spain’s “old fashioned right wing government” was seriously damaging regional cooperation.

Mr Lidington acknowledged that the Popular Party government of Mariano Rajoy had been elected with a public pledge to be “more nationalist” in its approach to Gibraltar.

“I regret that,” the British minister said. “There’s no doubt that that is causing significant hardship to individuals and to the prosperity of the Campo more generally.”

“And I think that, given Spain’s appallingly high levels of youth unemployment in particular, it is a great pity that the Spanish Government has not yet found it possible to see Gibraltar’s prosperity as a huge asset…in a relatively impoverished area of Spain.”

“The more successful businesses are in Gibraltar, the more that there can be free traffic across the border, the more that La Linea and other towns in the Campo will benefit.”

Mr Lidington said the European Commission would play a key role in resolving the border delays.

He said Spain was breaching EU treaties with its border checks and that it was the Commission’s responsibility to take action.

The Commission is due to review progress in implementation of its recommendations next month and could revisit the border to check.

“I’d very much like the Commission to visit again,” Mr Lidington said.

Mr Lidington was asked about ad hoc talks and said that discussions to try and agree a suitable formula were ongoing.

But he said that while Britain and Gibraltar wanted dialogue – be it on a trilateral or ad hoc basis – the looming prospect of general election in Spain meant this might prove elusive.

“The approach of an election tends to mean that political parties are less willing to take risks,” he said.

Questioned by the MPs, he left no doubt that the dispute over Gibraltar was straining bilateral relations between the UK and Spain, and between Gibraltar and its neighbour to the north.

“It is a cause for deep regret that the bilateral relationship between our two countries is not in the place where I would like it to be because of the actions that Spain takes in respect of Gibraltar,” he said.

“I’m not naïve enough to think that any Spanish government in the near future is likely to drop its claim to sovereignty.”

“But I would wish that they could, while continuing to assert that historical claim, recognise the real asset that a prosperous Gibraltar is to a relatively poor area of Spain and look for better relations, try and win some trust and friendship from the people of Gibraltar who are becoming more hostile to Spain because of the actions [the Spanish] government is taking.”

COLOSSAL INCOMPETENCE’
The session also assessed the relationship between the Gibraltar Government and the British Government, which Mr Lidington said was good.

“We may not agree on every last detail…but we have a very good day-to-day working relationship with the Chief Minister and with his cabinet,” Mr Lidington said.

The minister was questioned on the amount of resources that the Foreign Office and other British Government departments allocated to Gibraltar.

Questioned on tax and transparency, he said the Chief Minister had taken “a courageous lead” in the run-up to last year’s G8 summit where Britain pushed these issues higher up the global agenda.

Conservative MP Rory Stewart asked the minister how it was possible that the British Government had not detected and objected to Spain’s designation of an EU nature site in British Gibraltar territorial waters.

This, Mr Stewart said, had been “a colossal act of incompetence”.

Mr Lidington deflected the questions and said he could not answer for the ministers who were in government at the time.

But he added that the current administration was taking firm steps to ensure that any effort by Spain to exercise jurisdiction in the waters was firmly challenged.

Mr Stewart questioned whether the UK was not, in fact, acting illegally by preventing Spain from meeting its obligations in a nature site designated under EU law.

Mr Lidington dismissed the suggestion and said that EU designation did not alter the international British status of the waters under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, and that only Britain had jurisdiction in those waters.

Designation of an EU site “doesn’t alter that fact”, he said.

Asked how other European nations viewed the dispute, the minister said EU countries – and indeed the EU courts too – were reluctant to intervene in what they saw as a bilateral matter.

Mr Lidington also revealed that the British Government had issued a standing order to its diplomatic representations around the globe, but in particular in Brussels and the United Nations, to ensure officials were “very aware” of any Gibraltar angle in the matters they were dealing with.

He said the aim was the “mainstreaming of an awareness of the Gibraltar angle” in the work done by the Foreign Office and other departments at the EU and the UN.

The session concluded with a clear signal from the Foreign Affairs Committee that it supported Gibraltar in the ongoing spat with Spain.

Committee chairman Sir Richard Ottaway cited Foreign Secretary William Hague, who recently also gave evidence to the MPs and said Britain would not stand by in the face of continued hostility and would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Gibraltar.

“We endorse that statement and we will continue to monitor whether or not the Foreign Office is living up to that statement,” he told Mr Lidington.
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 Merco Press

More on David Lidington - http://en.mercopress.com/tags/david-lidington

http://en.mercopress.com/2014/06/28/uk-europe-minister-expected-in-gibraltar-to-witness-first-hand-delays-at-border-crossing-to-spain

UK Europe minister expected in Gibraltar to witness first hand delays at border crossing to Spain

The Minister for Europe, David Lidington, will visit Gibraltar on Monday 30 June and Tuesday 1 July. The visit will enable the Minister to visit the Gibraltar-Spain border to witness first-hand the continuing delays at the crossing, to hold discussions with HM Government of Gibraltar, and to meet a wide range of the people of Gibraltar.





David Lidington's visit comes in advance of a return by the EC to review progress at the border  

 

The Minister for Europe’s visit comes in advance of a return by the European Commission to review progress on improving congestion at the border. The Commission’s return visit follows concerted lobbying by the UK Government.

The Minister for Europe said he was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Gibraltar again. “I look forward to observing some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Government of Gibraltar and to meeting a wide range of people on the rock, who together contribute to a vibrant and prosperous Gibraltar”.

The Minister for Europe will meet the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister reflecting a strong relationship which has seen the UK Government and HM Government of Gibraltar working in lockstep to tackle Spanish pressure over the past year.
The Minister will also take a tour on the waters with the Gibraltar Squadron to allow him to see the work of the Royal Navy upholding British sovereignty of Gibraltar’s waters.
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Courtesy Panorama - http://www.panorama.gi/localnews/headlines.php?action=view_article&article=12030&offset=0

Lidington and Hague have kept their distance from Gibraltar!

by Leo Olivero
I think it’s extraordinary, that since the 2011 local elections, or more importantly, since the latest crisis with Spain, no member of the British Government with a responsibility for Foreign Affairs has bothered to visit Gibraltar to evaluate and see the situation for themselves or even as a demonstration of physical support.

Last week in the UK Parliament David Lidington was put in a rather awkward position, when he placed under pressure by Chris Evans Labour MP to ‘give a guarantee that Lidington will visit Gibraltar soon’ Our Europe Minister at Westminster replied, “ I am hoping to visit Gibraltar again in the near future, I remain in regular contact with the Chief Minister and the Gibraltar Government. We make protests to Spain in respect of every illegal incursion into British Gibraltar waters and, now that the deadline has passed, we are pressing the European Commission to take action to ensure that Spain respects her European responsibilities to allow the decent movement of people across the border, subject only to proportionate and fully justified checks”.

Apart from the usual bull we continuously hear from the FCO regarding protests to Spain and of the UK making what we are told are forceful representations to Spain and the EU Commission. Mr Lidington said that ‘he hoped to visit Gibraltar again’. This giving the erroneous impression, that he makes regular visits to the Rock, when the opposite is more akin to the truth.

Keeping Their Distance From Gibraltar

The reality of the matter is that from the onset of the problems with the Spanish Government, or since Madrid embarked on it’s latest political siege of Gibraltar, Hague, Lidington and others have kept their distance from Gibraltar…Literally!

In fact, the last time David Lidington was on the Rock was during the GSD Government’s term in office, in fact between the 12 and 13 April 2011 not that long after he was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

The idea of David Lidington giving British MPs the impression that he is coming to ‘Gibraltar Again’ is a totally misleading one. Particularly, when his last visit was well-over three years ago. Taking into account the serious situation with the Spanish Government over the past two years, that even produced a visit by a team of EU Commission experts to look into the frontier problems.

David Lidington in this respect has let Gibraltar down!

Admittedly, there’s no denying that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, Foreign Secretary, William Hague and David Lidington himself have at times been robust in their dealings with Spain over the frontier queues. And also spoken out strongly in defence of Gibraltar’s right to self-determination and strong on any talks on sovereignty must be three flags and not two and that Gibraltar has the right of veto in such matters. There can be few complaints there. However, this has simple not been enough where presence of body is concerned.

The fact remains that neither William Hague, David Lidington, or even

Baroness Warsi the Conservative spokesperson on Europe in the House of Lords have thought it important enough to come to Gibraltar, to see for themselves on the ground, just what is happening here in-situ.

The situation is all the more astonishing, given the amount of times these politicians with responsibility for Foreign Affairs frequently spend speaking about Gibraltar and Spain, the frontier queues, incursions into BGTW or when issuing statements.

The nearest Gibraltar has got in recent times, to the big-chief himself David Cameron, was last year on National Day when we were treated to a recorded address from the Prime Minister. There’s no denying it was a good and welcomed supportive gesture from Mr Cameron, which roused the crowds at Casemates for a good 30 minutes after. Then it was back to normal, as we have seen since from the people in Madrid.

FCO Good at Talking the Talk

We have said many times, the FCO and associated Ministers are good at talking the talk but its about time they did the walk too and met the frontier crowds of pedestrians standing out in all weathers conditions waiting for hours to cross one of the most smallest European Frontier points.

How can Lidington or anyone else for that matter talk with any real authority on any of the key issues relating to Gibraltar when all they have to rely on are telephone (conference) calls with the Chief Minister, briefing papers and possible, a weekly report from the Governor?

So when people like William Hague, David Lidington and the Baroness talk about the Gibraltar frontier queues, or Spain’s lack of compliancy with the EU demanding improvements at the frontier, or how well Gibraltar is combating the tobacco smuggling, do they really know what the real situation is?

The answer to that of course is they don’t. Because until they have sat in a car queuing to get in or out of Gibraltar; until they have seen for themselves the disproportionate lengths of the queues; until they have spoken to the waiting pedestrians from Gibraltar, Spain, the UK, and the many other EU States and elsewhere frustratingly standing for hours. And until they have spoken to those people on this side of the frontier who are tasked to perform the important, front line duties in controlling the situation at the frontier and out at sea. Only than, will they know and be able to talk about it with some authority!

Lidington Thought Last Snapshot of Gibraltar Was Important

The last time David Lidington was in Gibraltar in April 2011 he held a late press conference where he said, “I have much enjoyed the last twenty-four hours. Obviously it only gave me a snapshot of Gibraltar, but it was a rich and detailed snapshot which gives a better insight than any reports or vivid journalism could do”

That 2011 snapshot of Gibraltar the Europe Minister talked about taken over a 24-hour period has lasted 3 years in Lidington’s mind. Considering everything that has happened since April 2011, you would have thought, that someone at the FCO would have thought it prudent or important enough to take an updated snapshot of the situation here in Gibraltar. After all, Lidington himself thought it vital the last time, more important than the reports he is sent or reads. But not important enough it seems to make another snapshot call!

Only a few weeks ago the Chief Minister was in London and he met up with Mr Lidington who made a statement saying “It is now six months since the European Commission sent recommendations aimed at easing the delays at the border between Gibraltar and Spain. Despite that, politically motivated and disproportionate checks continue” He continued saying the Government of Gibraltar had taken significant steps, in a very short period, to address the Commission’s recommendations, by increasing powers of authorities to tackle smugglers, upgrades to the border infrastructure to make smuggling more difficult and reducing the number of cigarettes that an individual can buy and raising duty on tobacco.

Lidington added “I am deeply concerned by the delay by the authorities in Spain in responding to the Commission’s recommendations. We will continue to protect the interests of Gibraltar, its people, its security and economy.”

It’s about time Mr. Lidington deep concerns were manifested in a more physical manner - and instead of talking about all the significant steps Gibraltar has taken to address the EU Commissions recommendations and the smuggling problem at the frontier. The Europe Minister should have taken the short flight to Gibraltar to see for himself - instead of committing himself to a visit to the Rock only because he was pressed by a parliamentary question from the UK Opposition!

24-06-14 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
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 Courtesy Your Gibraltar TV - http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/politics/6936-jun-27-government-welcomes-lidington-visit

Jun 27 - Government Welcomes Lidington Visit


The Government has said that it welcomes the visit of the Minister for Europe on Budget Day next week.The Government says that the visit on that day will provide an ideal opportunity for the Government to brief Mr Lidington on Gibraltar’s “outstanding economic performance.”

The Minister will also be able to see at first hand the situation in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and at the frontier so that he can better understand the problems that all of Gibraltar is experiencing with the current Spanish administration.

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Also from Your Gibraltar TV 


Apr 07 - Lidington Responds to Foreign Affairs Committee Gibraltar Concerns


lidingtonIn a meeting giving oral evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee in the UK’s House of Commons last week, Europe Minister David Lidington, told the committee that he ‘would not object to Gibraltar being more closely integrated in some elements of the EU acquis, if that was what Gibraltar wanted.’
The meeting, chaired by the Committee, brought up their recent visit to Gibraltar that saw them hold a question and answer session with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. Following the session, the Committee also met with Foreign Secretary William Hague to discuss a number of issues that arose.

During the session with Minister Lidington he noted that his intention would be to visit Gibraltar this year, as it is ‘time for [him] to go again’, however he needs to find the right balance between the different potential visits to the other 50 countries and territories he is responsible for.
Responding to a question on the Chief Minister’s claim that the Gibraltar Governor’s office lacks resources, Minister Lidington insisted that he disagreed with Mr. Picardo as the current strength of the Convent is two UK, based staff and 11 locally engaged staff, with regular visits from FCO staff in London and one senior official who maintains regular telephone and e-mail contact with the Chief Minister. He added, ‘the Chief Minister knows that he can approach officials and Ministers at any time if he has particular concerns.’
The meeting acted as an in-depth response to concerns raised by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo during the Committee’s session Gibraltar. Questions from the panel included the why there is a feeling in Gibraltar that the Foreign Office views the Overseas Territories as somewhat of a nuisance? Minister Lidington’s response noted that suspicion form the Gibraltarian’s still lingers following former efforts to move towards shared sovereignty of the Overseas territory, with Spain.

The Minister added, ‘I do not think that the present Government, from the Prime Minister down, could easily have been more forthright than we have been. It has been made clear again and again, including by the Prime Minister in his video message to the people of Gibraltar on Gibraltar day last year, that Gibraltar remains British by the free choice of the people of Gibraltar. We will not engage in negotiations with Spain about sovereignty unless at some stage that were to be the wish of Gibraltar, and we are not going to talk about sovereignty on Gibraltar behind Gibraltar’s back in any way. We have been absolutely clear on that.’

Commenting on the Chief Minister’s statement that Gibraltar may want to become more integrated with Europe than Britain, Minister Lidington insisted that this could lead to Gibraltar becoming part of the Schengen agreement, which would involve a negotiation ‘at minimum’ as well as possible changes to the European treaties.

With regards to Spain’s Estrech Oriental, a site of Community Importance that impedes into BGTW, Minister Lidington said that the former Government challenged the Spanish listing. Currently the UK has asked the European Commission to ‘infract Spain under article 258 of the TFEU, for its failure to consult us on its designation of Estrecho Oriental as an SCI.

‘The Commission regard this as a bilateral sovereignty dispute and it does not want to get involved, therefore what we are doing in practical terms is to resist very strongly any evidence that Spain is acting in a way that seeks to give effect to its claims to have some sort of management responsibilities over the Gibraltar waters element of Estrecho Oriental.
‘We have taken action, for example, when the Spanish Government last summer put a bunkering company on notice that it was acting against Spanish royal decree. That is also why we have reacted strongly on the two occasions, including this week, when Spain has sent a survey vessel into Gibraltar waters and started trying to carry out surveying work.’

NATO Concerns
Responding to a question on when the Government has ‘sought to exert pressure through NATO’ to end Spain’s non-compliance with fellow NATO warships, belonging to the Royal Navy, the Minister insisted that it is ‘not good practice; it is not the behaviour you would expect from an ally in the transatlantic alliance.’
He continued, ‘but we do not think that raising this at NATO is going to be the appropriate way forward. Precisely because this has been a long-standing, very regrettable practice by Spain, this is not getting in the way of sensible, practical, NATO operational planning. The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force have built the STANAG reservation into their planning arrangements for many years.
‘I am advised by the MOD that this has minimal if any impact upon operations, so for example during the Libya operations in 2011, UK units called at Gibraltar for ammunition and other supplies. Other NATO allies—including Canada, the US and Norway last year—regularly use Gibraltar for operational reasons. Individual UK units that are assigned to NATO, such as the mine warfare vessels that are part of the standing NATO mine counter-measure group in the Med, call into Gibraltar from time to time, and of course there are a large number of individual ship visits by Royal Navy vessels to Gibraltar. I think this is a practice by Spain that we regard as an irritant. It is bad practice, bur it is not getting in the way of proper operational planning or activity.’

Read more: Apr 07 - Lidington Responds to Foreign Affairs Committee Gibraltar Concerns
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 So the question is will Mr LIdington make Gibraltar proud and see and then tell the truth as it is? 

Or will he continue to sacrifice the Gibraltarian people for Diplomacy and in thinking only of the millions of ex pats that have left UK to live in Spain?

We all believe in dialogue but there does come a time that we have to stand up to the bully that Spain is!

Let us reiterate we have nothing against Spain and its people but rather our problem is with their Spanish Government who continue to promote a hate campaign worldwide against us for one reason only - WE DO NOT WANT TO BE SPANISH!
Our interest in Mr Lidington is not about EU but rather about UK, FCO and how they will continue in their treatment and obligation to us as a people!
We are British Gibraltarians!

Anne-Marie STruggles

EU Commission to visit the Frontier between Spain and Gibraltar

European Commission to visit Gibraltar frontier again next Wednesday
  courtesy- GBC

The European Commission will be sending a delegation to examine the Gibraltar border next Wednesday. Sources in Brussels have confirmed to GBC that all three Governments – Gibraltar, UK and Spain - have been notified, and that a team of experts on border movement will be examining how the Commission’s recommendations are being implemented.

Last November the Commission prepared a report with recommendations to the United Kingdom and Spain to improve the flow across the border.

The deadline expired over a month ago, and border queues continue in both directions. In fact, as GBC reported yesterday, June has turned out to be the worst month of the year so far, with peak queuing time at over five hours.

Gibraltar completed the work on the recommendations made to it by the European Commission, but the Spanish Government has barely started, apart from an architect's drawing of the infrastructural changes planned for the border.

The Gibraltar Government has already written to the European Commission to tell them everything it has done, while also highlighting Spain’s delays in complying. The Chief Minister also raised the issue with Europe Minister, David Liddington, who is expected to visit Gibraltar in the next few weeks.

GBC has now learned that a second visit by the European Commission is planned for next Wednesday. A group of experts will monitor progress on both sides.

Photo Courtesy T. Finlayson

 European Commission to visit Gibraltar frontier again next Wednesday
GBC

The European Commission will be sending a delegation to examine the Gibraltar border next Wednesday. Sources in Brussels have confirmed to GBC that all three Governments – Gibraltar, UK and Spain - have been notified, and that a team of experts on border movement will be examing how the Commission’s recommendations are being implemented.

Last November the Commission preparted a report with recommendations to the United Kingdom and Spain to improve the flow across the border.

The deadline expired over a month ago, and border queues continue in both directions. In fact, as GBC reported yesterday, June has turned out to be the worst month of the year so far, with peak queuing time at over five hours.

Gibraltar completed the work on the recommendations made to it by the European Commission, but the Spanish Government has barely started, apart from an achitect’s drawing of the infrastructural changes planned for the border.

The Gibraltar Government has already written to the European Commission to tell them everything it has done, while also highlighting Spain’s delays in complying. The Chief Minister also raised the issue with Europe Minister, David Liddington, who is expected to visit Gibraltar in the next few weeks.

GBC has now learned that a second visit by the European Commission is planned for next Wednesday.  A group of experts will monitor progress on both sides.

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 Courtesy Trevor Bickerstaff



It is Your Right To Freely Show Your Discontent With the E.U
 
Stand Up And Be Counted Towards The Bullying By Spain’s Government


Dont Talk The Talk, But Walk The Walk


Enough Is Enough


Show We Are Peaceful, But No To Bullying Of Free Movement


Its Your Right To Freely Show Your Discontent With the E.U
Stand Up And Be Counted Towards The Bullying By Spain’s Government
Dont Talk The Talk, But Walk The Walk
Enough Is Enough
Show We Are Peaceful, But No To Bullying Of Free Movement







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Courtesy of  Miguel Angel Zoilo Guzmán - his question is the EU commission coming to try and resolve the issue at the frontier or to enjoy another feast in the Costa del Sol




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Press release - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gibraltar-spain-border-delays-eu-recommendations-six-months-on

Gibraltar-Spain border delays: EU recommendations six months on





Minister for Europe welcomes Gibraltar’s Chief Minister and calls for Spain to implement EU recommendations to reduce border delays.




The Minister of Europe, the Rt. Hon David Lidington MP, today welcomed the Chief Minister of Gibraltar the Hon Fabian Picardo MP to London. As well as reaffirming the strong bonds between the UK and Gibraltar and the UK’s commitment to stand by the people of Gibraltar, Mr Picardo’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss the unacceptable delays at the Spanish/Gibraltar border.
On 15 November 2013, the European Commission wrote to the UK and Spain with recommendations aimed at easing the delays at the Gibraltar-Spain border. The Commission asked for an update within six months from the authorities in Gibraltar and Spain on how the recommendations were being implemented.
Speaking today, the Minister for Europe said:

It is now six months since the European Commission sent recommendations aimed at easing the delays at the border between Gibraltar and Spain. Despite that, politically motivated and disproportionate checks imposed by Spain continue to create severe difficulties for the people of Gibraltar – and for people on the Spanish side of the border.

Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has taken significant steps, in a very short period, to address the Commission’s recommendations, including: o increasing powers of authorities to tackle smugglers; o upgrades to the border infrastructure to make smuggling more difficult; o reducing the number of cigarettes that an individual can buy; o raising duty on tobacco;

I am deeply concerned by the delay by the authorities in Spain in responding to the Commission’s recommendations. The Commission has already concluded that the intensity of the checks is unjustified. Spain needs to take simple, practical steps to improve the situation - and quickly.


The government is clear that we will maintain diplomatic pressure on the Spanish government until checks at the border return to reasonable, proportionate levels. We will continue to protect the interests of Gibraltar, its people, its security and economy.

Further information

Following the Prime Minister’s intervention with President Barroso over excessively long queues at the Gibraltar-Spain border last summer, a European Commission monitoring team visited the Gibraltar-Spain border on 25 September 2013.
On 15 November 2013 the European Commission followed up with letters to HMG and the Government of Spain containing recommendations aimed at easing the border delays. The Commission asked for updates within six-months and agreed to consider a follow-up visit if appropriate.

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De-constructing the Spin

An explanation of some of the misleading terms used in the so-called "Gibraltar Problem". See also the Infrequently Asked Questions. If you wish to add terms, please send them to me on: jborda@gibnews.net or discuss on alt.gibraltar Last updated: July 2012
"Gibraltar Problem" Gibraltar does not cause any problems herself. The "Gibraltar Problem" is created by the Spanish government’s obsession with colonizing Gibraltar, in direct violation of the democratic rights of the Gibraltarians. More recently, the FCO’s lack of resolve in defending Gibraltar’s rights has exacerbated the problem.
"Spain is a modern democracy" The Spanish government does not recognize Gibraltar's democratically elected government, has blocked the Eurovote for all EU citizens in Gibraltar, and refuses to recognize the Gibraltarian people’s inalienable and democratic right to self-determination . They also want to return a selected portion of Europe back how it was for a very limited period 300 years ago, using a treaty which, in several places, treats human beings as chattel. Their policy of economic sabotage and non-recognition has continued unchanged since the 1960's. Spain cannot therefore be called a modern democracy for Gibraltarian purposes.
"Spain is an EU and NATO ally" Spain still interferes with the EU rights of Gibraltarians, in particular by vetoing EU treaties unless Gibraltar (a territory outside their jurisdiction) is excluded. She still maintains air and sea restrictions, including those of a military nature, so no flights can go between Spain and Gibraltar, or vice versa, and NATO aircraft travelling to/from Gibraltar cannot overfly Spanish airspace. Spain also excludes Gibraltar from military exercises in the Straits.
"drug-smuggling and money-laundering" These happen in Spain with monotonous regularity. While the Spanish government and press make much noise about alleged offences taking place in Gibraltar, they have yet to submit evidence or file a single charge formally. A Spanish media headline about "Drug arrests in Gibraltar" always refers to an incident in the Campo de Gibraltar (Spanish hinterland around Gibraltar). Gibraltar complies with all UK/EU legislation on money-laundering, and the logistics of landing and distributing a drugs shipment are much easier in Spain.
"the only option is negotiation" Used by the British government to rule out the perfectly viable means of prosecuting Spain for her violations of Gibraltar's EU rights, a method employed enthusiastically by Spain to ensure Gibraltar complies with the minutest details of EU law.
"the Treaty of Utrecht rules out full independence" As long as Gibraltar acknowledged the British Crown as head of state, no violation would take place. Gibraltar could be an independent member of the Commonwealth without violating Utrecht. However, the UN principle of self-determination overrules Utrecht, so even full independence is possible.
"UDI" (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) A process which would also get round Utrecht, because the Gibraltarians would be alienating themselves from the UK, not the other way round.
"self-determination" A democratic process by which a people can decide their own future. UN principle, applies to ALL colonial peoples.
"territorial integrity" A non-democratic process that prevents a country from breaking up if part of its people want to split off. Inapplicable to Gibraltar, as not part of Spain, but prevents Spain taking over isthmus. No longer a major UN principle, see Eritrea, E. Timor, former Yugoslavia, former Soviet Union.
"freely and democratically expressed wishes" Critical quote from the Preamble to the Gibraltar Constitution of 1969. Would prevent any referendum offering a Spanish solution while the restrictions remain, and now would prevent a UK solution while the threat of non-defence of Gibraltar's rights remained. Currently, only a Gibraltarian solution could be decided upon by referendum without threat of legal challenge as unconstitutional.
Gibraltar should be "handed back" to Spain When people say Gibraltar should be "handed back" to Spain, the implication is that something was taken away from Spain, and that whoever took it is not the rightful owner. The correct term should be "handed over", because Gibraltar is rightfully and legally British, and although it may have once been seized from Spain, it was of course ceded by treaty. And if we're going to go around the world counting territories that were once taken from someone, we will never end.
UK: "Gibraltar is financially dependent on the UK"
Spain: "Gibraltar is a financial parasite"
Neither of these (mutually exclusive) statements is true. Gibraltar is financially self-sufficient, and even operates a budgetary surplus. In addition, Gibraltar employs 8000+ Spaniards directly, possibly 15,000 more indirectly employed to cater for Gibraltarians, who are not averse to spending their money in Spain.
joint sovereignty "A man cannot serve two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or salute the first flag and burn the other."
Luke 16:13, paraphrased
"300 year old conflict" Another lie- the conflict only commenced since 1954, when Queen Elizabeth II visited Gibraltar, causing Franco to take umbrage,to cover up Spain's poor economic position (no change there!). Previously, since the Napoleonic Wars, when Britain and Spain were allied, there was reasonably peaceful coexistence for about 170 years. See this article
"Gibraltar is an island" Doh!


This was the situation last summer where the Gibraltar Government, The Royal Gibraltar Police, Defenders of Gibraltar and other concerned people helped to provide water and medicines and food to people!

The truth!




We have always suffered the bullying tactics by the Spanish Government in that they have always used the frontier as a political weapon since the frontier with Gibraltar was opened!



We need to be truthful and state things how they are in reality. It is no longer right for any country within EU or even in NATO to bully a smaller country! NO matter the reasoning that they believe it is WRONG! 



Human beings should NEVER be used as a form of ransom like terrorist do just to get what they want! We cannot say it is alright that Spain behave in this way! IF we do it is giving out the wrong message to bigger and larger countries in that they too can bully other countries. The dangerous reality here is that Spain and any other country that behave like this are in fact acting like TERRORIST! 



You may think that is harsh but the truth be told one cannot excuse the way that human beings daily are treated in this way! We have children, the elderly, the disabled and workers in general and tourist who have feared coming in and out of Gibraltar! They feel terrorised that even their lunch boxes and sandwiches are opened and they are even scrutinsed about how much money they have on them and will spend in Gibraltar.



Those of you who do not live here or near our frontier with Spain cannot see clearly what is happening and to be be honest how could you? When Spain as a country is bigger and out on an all out hate campaign against my Country Gibraltar and our people - how could you know the reality?



So I urge you to come and visit - to spread the truth by sending out our blog link so that others around the world see the truth via the people affected! The people are we the one living and breathing the problem with Spain!



It is utterly incredible that in our modern day society that some people continue to just believe government propaganda without questioning!



Our modern society now have plenty of ways to investigate and prove or not what is being told out there now!



Creating queues on purpose for political aim or gain is UNACCEPTABLE! It is causing anxiety, fear, desperation and anger to those affected. No one can in their right mind agree it is right! There is no reason to keep pedestrians in 32 degrees Celsius standing for two hours to cross into Spain! It is not right that bicycles and motorbikes and cars could at any time face queues in the heat now from 2 - 8 hours!



This is done without warning and for no reason! There is a weak excuse that sometimes Spain has the audacity to use - smuggling! But every person can investigate their government figures that actually show that this is not true! IF you go further and investigate the smuggling issue in SPAIN you will find that Algeciras Port and Valencia are one of hte highest for these crimes - yet they do not suffer these inhumane queues on entry or exit from their country!



Worse still is the fact that no queues like they create in Gibraltar and have their anti terrorist Guardia Civil's in place are seen in places like the crossing to and from France - where inhabitants cross daily to buy cheap items on both sides to make a living! You do not see this either at Airports in UK or Spain for people entering or exiting - that do buy cheap cigarettes and alcohol too in great numbers!

So why does SPAIN behave this way with Gibraltar?

The answer is simple - POLITICS!

The Spanish Government promote that Gibraltar should be SPANISH! They teach it from an early age they brainwash any who will listen and uses the pride of that country to then blind them to the truth!

They do this for various reasons - 1. A Smokescreen so their own people do not see the corruption and crisis in their own country! 2. They truly believe it to be true and find it hard to move on on!

So it is like Spain had a possession and lost it but in actual fact the reality is they gave it away! At the time they gave it away they thought Gibraltar was worth nothing and they made a great deal! However, as years have gone by and humanity has grown and modernised - Gibraltar has played a vital part for UK. In actual fact Gibraltar has survived and flourish and now over three hundreds years later Gibraltar has become a people, a culture a society with rights and choices of their future! Gibraltar now belongs to the people of Gibraltar!



Gibraltar has now its own government and way of life independent from their mother country UK!



Gibraltar has established its own IDENTITY so who is SPAIN to try to rob it off the people!



Spain has to move on just like a husband whose wife has left him! Spain cannot continue stalk Gibraltar AND  bully as they do!



So our message to SPAIN is move on! Let your children have a relationship with Gibraltar and its people if they wish to and stop trying to destroy Gibraltar that feeds over ten thousand of your own people who would be unemployed and without home if left up to you to care for them!



So to the EU commission our message is very clear - tell SPAIN the truth! Tell them to move on and let go! Tell SPAIN they are WRONG! They must NOT be allowed to continue this inhumane treatment of people crossing a border within the EU! What they do is excessive and should be stopped!



EU Commission you must do your job! Be true to what you are supposed to stand for as below!

HARNESSING EUROPES COLLECTIVE WEIGHT
To deliver on the approach set out in previous sections, the EU needs to strengthen the way
that it deals with human rights and democracy in its external action.
European Parliament
The European Parliament has made human rights and democracy one of its highest priorities.
By making its voice heard systematically as well as urgently on the key questions of the day,
the Parliament has taken up a leading role in promoting human rights in all the EU does. Its
work with other parliaments (through its parliamentary cooperation committees and
delegations to regional parliamentary assemblies) is especially valuable in reinforcing the
EU’s signals. The European Parliament could usefully step up efforts to spread its vital human
rights message beyond the Human Rights Sub-Committee to its delegations to third countries.

Member States
For the EU to be more effective and credible in promoting and protecting human rights and
democracy, the collective weight of EU institutions and EU Member States must be
mobilised. Member States must continue to have strong ownership and responsibility for the
EU human rights and democracy policy both at the multilateral level and in bilateral relations
with third countries. This requires the formulation of strong common positions on human
rights which guide both EU institutions and EU Member States in order to speak as one. This
can be facilitated by regular discussions on human rights questions also at the political level.
In addition, Member States have an important role to play in contributing to the
implementation of the EU human rights and democracy policy through burden sharing and
division of labour.

A standing capability on human rights and democracy in the Council of the EU
The Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM) has a key role in steering the EU
human rights policy and in advising the PSC and the Council. Currently, COHOM is staffed
from capitals and meets only once a month and can no longer fully respond to the increased
workload and demands. Effective implementation of EU external human rights policy would
requires more frequent meetings of COHOM and also a standing capability and expertise on
human rights and democracy among the Permanent Representations in Brussels of EU
Member States. A Brussels formation of COHOM would ensure closer integration with the
work of the Council, COREPER and PSC other thematic or geographic Working Groups. It
would also allow monthly meetings of Human Rights Directors to concentrate on the strategic aspects of the EU policy on human rights and democracy, while the Brussels formation would address ongoing issues.

Building a culture of human rights and democracy
A Directorate on Human Rights and Democracy has been created within the EEAS. As a
general principle, it is understood that human rights are not only the responsibility of experts,
but that they are key to the work of everyone. To this end there is now a human rights focal
point in all EU Delegations worldwide – this system should be formed into a network for the
delivery of cross-cutting campaigns. A similar network of focal points is in the process of
being created in the EEAS and in the Commission services.

Training on human rights and democracy is provided to all Heads of Delegation and to EEAS
and Commission staff.
A network of focal points on human rights and democracy will be completed, using latest
available technologies for the sharing of information and best practice.
A rethink of EU communications
Throughout the world, social media networks provide a platform for human rights defenders
to provide support and information to one another, and to reach their supporters around the
world. They also allow them to document and relay their personal experiences, often
circumventing State-controlled media. Video- and message-sharing services can make it more
difficult for brutal regimes to hide human rights repression and the subversion of democracy.
At the same time, these services can be used for more accurate monitoring and profiling of
citizens. This connectivity – and the community of people newly created through social media
networks – can also be used to bring together policy makers and people for political
discussions. For example, by using a live webcast, people from around the world can discuss
human rights issues with leading political figures from the EU and its international partners.
This breaks down traditional barriers of hierarchy and access to political influence. If people
want to have a say in the discussion, all they now need is internet access.
Engagement with different groups in society through digital diplomacy is a key way to
promote EU values, and the EU’s work around the world. There have been significant
developments in the EU’s digital diplomacy through its use of social media, although more
needs to be done to develop these new techniques, and tap into the potential of its Delegations
around the world.
The EU could mobilise key Delegations to use social media for digital diplomacy using
existing communication resources. The EU will give practical support to those using social
media to enhance civic engagement on the ground.

Next steps
The European Union has both the will and the means to be a leader when it comes to
protecting human rights and supporting democracy worldwide.
This Communication is designed as a contribution to the ongoing discussion within the EU
institutions on a more effective and comprehensive approach to human rights and democracy.
It seeks views on a number of possible actions and options. The next step should be to refine
these ideas through inter-institutional discussions into an agreed EU approach.
In order to track progress in achieving the objectives set out in this Communication, the EU
will present its performance in its annual report on human rights and democracy in the world.
This should give an opportunity to all stakeholders in EU policy, including civil society, to
assess the impact of EU action and contribute to defining future priorities.
The Council and the Parliament are invited to review this performance regularly, and to
review the EU’s strategic objectives after five years.


Anne-Marie Struggles