Gareth Thomas MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Europe, responding to recent events in British Gibraltar territorial waters, said:

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office must make it absolutely clear to Spain’s government that this incursion by Spanish Guardia Civil police vessels into British Gibraltar territorial waters is both illegal and provocative.

“In my meeting with Gibraltar’s First Minister, Fabian Picardo, I made clear Labour’s full support for the people of Gibraltar, and our desire to strengthen the continuing relationship between the UK and Gibraltar.

“In twelve months I have travelled to Gibraltar twice, including this week, and I continue to press the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on why no FCO Minister has visited Gibraltar since 2011.

“This recent naval incursion underlines the importance of Labour’s call for the British Government to consider carefully whether there is a need to now station an enhanced Royal Navy presence in Gibraltar’s territorial waters.”