David Sumberg MEP
Date:
20/03/2002
BLAIR BETRAYS GIBRALTAR
North West Euro MP David Sumberg met with Spain’s Prime Minister in Brussels today to voice his opposition to moves giving Spain joint sovereignty of Gibraltar.
Mr Sumberg said he is distressed that the wishes of Gibraltarians are being ridden roughshod over by Mr Blair and the Spanish PM Jose Maria Aznar.
‘I made it absolutely clear to Mr Aznar that any talks over the colony’s future must involve the Gibraltan Government,’ he said. ‘Moreover both he and Mr Blair must listen to wishes of Gibraltarians. This week we saw the biggest demonstration on the Island in its history. From a population of 30,000, 24,000 turned out to voice their opposition to any deal giving Spain joint sovereignty. That is democracy in action and that cannot – and must not - be ignored by Blair or Anzar.’
Mr Sumberg said he told Mr Aznar he had become besotted by the Labour Government and he had been hopelessly seduced by Mr Blair’s offer of joint sovereignty.
‘All Blair is after is a powerful ally in Europe and Aznar has fallen hook line and sinker for it,’ he said. ‘But how dare Mr Blair treat a British colony with such flippant disregard! I am stunned he has the gall to flaunt the wishes of the vast majority of Gibraltarians – loyal Britains. Gibraltar isn’t a political pawn that can be sold to further Mr Blair’s European ambitions.’
Mr Sumberg said he wanted any further negotiations over Gibraltar’s future to must be open and accountable with no done deals between Britain and Spain.
‘If a referendum has to be held on whether Gibraltar has joint sovereignty with Britain and Spain then it must be on terms and conditions Gibraltarians are happy with,’ he said. ‘But ultimately it is a scandal that Gibraltar is being treated with such contempt by a British Government – and that is the bottom line.’