London: Madrid tensions flare up; UK mulls legal action over Gibraltar

Prime Minister David Cameron’s spokesman announced that the government will be considering options to launch legal actions against the Madrid government after it failed to stop and actually increased border controls at the Spanish border with the territory, British media reported.

Madrid has introduced what the UK government calls "politically motivated and disproportionate border checks” at its border with the British overseas territory causing long delays for those going to and leaving the rocky island, therefore adding to already high tensions with London.

The spokesman added that options are being considered through the European courts, after which the government will legally force the Spanish government to revoke its decision that has led to hindering the free movement of people across the border from Gibraltar.

"The prime minister is disappointed by the failure of the Spanish to remove the additional border checks this weekend and we are now considering what legal action is open to us", said the spokesman.

"This would be an unprecedented step and so we would want to make [any decision] carefully before making the decision.

"If we go down this route we will certainly press the EU to pursue this as a matter of urgency. They need to de-escalate this issue by the removal of border checks. We feel that these delays are politically motivated and disproportionate. That would be illegal under EU law and contrary to the right of free movement.

"The British ambassador in Madrid will be talking to the Spanish today about the legal action," he said.
The spokesman declined to comment on what other options will follow if legal action leads to nowhere.

Britain hurriedly decided to pursue the issue through legal channels after it was reported that Spanish foreign minister, JosÉ Garc?a-Margallo, will offer Argentina for the two countries to present a "united front" over Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.

Garc?a-Margallo will meet his Argentinian counterpart, HÉctor Timerman, in Buenos Aires next month, when he is due to table a "180-degree turn in policy towards the colony", El Pa?s newspaper has reported.

Spain is also mulling to raise the issue of Gibraltar at the UN general assembly or the international court of justice at The Hague, El Pa?s quoted diplomatic sources as saying.

Britain has dispatched thousands of Royal Navy personnel to the Mediterranean for a training exercise amid the diplomatic tensions between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar.

On Monday, British navy’s helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious left Portsmouth naval base in Hampshire and will join the navy flagship HMS Bulwark, which has sailed from Devonport for the Cougar '13 operation. HMS Westminster, a Type 23 frigate, will also visit Gibraltar en route to the operation venue. Other UK ships taking part are another Type 23 frigate, HMS Montrose, and six Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships.

According to defence authorities the UK is planning a long-scheduled deployment in the Mediterranean and the vessels have set sail to join the deployment.

Spain says Gibraltar’s construction of a concrete reef in the Mediterranean has already affected fishing around the area, therefore it needs to introduce a border fee of up to €50 (£43) to provide for the damage fishermen in Spanish side of the border will sustain. The decision has led to expanding political tensions with Britain.