Gibraltar talks must be 'acceptable to all' - King Felipe tells MPs
THE KING of Spain vowed to work with Britain to ensure an “acceptable” deal over Gibraltar following Brexit as he hailed the nations' "close ties".
King Felipe vowed to work with Britain over the Gibraltar issues
King Felipe appeared in Parliament’s Royal Gallery this afternoon to address politicians during a three-day state visit to the UK with his wife Queen Letizia.
Prior to today’s meeting, some MPs threatened to walk out if he made any claims about Spanish sovereignty over Gibraltar.
But the King diplomatically skirted over the issue, with only a brief mention as he praised the close ties between the United Kingdom and Spain.
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He told MPs: “The UK and Spain have a long shared history during which we have stood shoulder to shoulder.
“We have done so as friends, partners and allies, whether facing international challenges together or promoting closer relationships.
“It is just as true that during our fruitful history there have been estrangements and disputes but the work and determination of our governments have relegated such events to the past.
“This resolve to overcome our differences will be even greater in the case of Gibraltar and our two governments will be able to work out an agreement acceptable to all involved.”
Spain has repeatedly called for joint sovereignty of the region, which has been under British rule for 200 years.
And officials agreed to the EU’s ruling that "no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom can be applied to the territory of Gibraltar without an agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom."
Tensions regarding the future of the British overseas territory have been rising after EU President Donald Tusk handed Spain a say in the future of the Rock when the UK leaves the EU, prompting concerns over the future of Britons living in Gibraltar.
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King Felipe appeared in Parliament’s Royal Gallery this afternoon
And Gibraltar’s deputy chief minister recently warned Spain’s “illegal” military manoeuvres around the Rock could one day cost lives.
Joseph Garcia insisted the Spanish Navy’s incursions into Gibraltar’s territorial waters makes a “mockery” of the region’s sovereignty.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he also claimed their moves could one day cost lives after a series of situations involving British and American vessels almost ended in conflict.