Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker MP leads senior Labour delegation to Gibraltar
Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker MP is leading a delegation of senior Shadow Ministers to Gibraltar today (Wednesday 4th December) to demonstrate Labour’s support for the British Overseas Territory, its people and British Armed Forces stationed there. He will be accompanied by Shadow Europe Minister Gareth Thomas and Shadow Armed Forces Minister Kevan Jones.
The delegation will meet Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, Commander of British Forces Gibraltar Commodore John Clink and Acting Governor General Mrs Alison MacMillan. They will visit troops stationed on The Rock and also join a Royal Navy and Gibraltar Defence Police maritime patrol. Mr Coaker will address the annual dinner of the Gibraltar Defence Police who guard MoD installations and patrol the British sovereign waters, and meet with Gibraltar Government Ministers and officials.
Vernon Coaker MP said:
“The actions of the Spanish authorities in recent months have caused anger and concern. Provocative incidents at the border during the summer months have been followed by unacceptable maritime incursions in British sovereign waters and the illegal opening of British diplomatic bags. This is not the sort of behaviour we expect from a NATO and EU partner.
"Recent naval manoeuvres by Spanish vessels are deliberately provocative and dangerous. The Chief Minister of Gibraltar has asked that Royal Navy ships are made available to support patrol vessels monitoring British waters around The Rock. That is a reasonable request that should be given full and prompt consideration by the Ministry of Defence.
"Labour continues to support the right of Gibraltar and its people to remain under British sovereignty. Spain must understand that its actions only serve to increase tension and foster mistrust and ill-feeling.”
Gareth Thomas MP said:
“Today I will underline to my counterparts in Gibraltar that Labour fully respects Gibraltar’s right to self-determination and to remain under British sovereignty.
“I have consistently made clear that any discussions with Spain should take place through the trilateral forum - which Labour created when in office - with the people of Gibraltar having the final say.”
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