Spanish king risks diplomatic row after raising Gibraltar during state visit to Britain
King Felipe raises issue during speech in Parliament
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gibraltar has criticised the king of Spain for saying the governments of his country and Britain will find a solution on the Rock's future that is "acceptable to all involved".
King Felipe raised the thorny issue as he addressed MPs and peers at the Royal Gallery in the Houses of Parliament during his state visit.
The monarch said Britain and Spain have a long-shared history and have "frequently stood shoulder to shoulder" as friends, partners and allies, in the best interests of both nations.
He went on: "It is just as true, however, that during our rich and fruitful history there have also been estrangements, rivalries and disputes, but the work and determination of our governments, authorities and citizens have relegated such events to the past.
"I am certain that this resolve to overcome our differences will be even greater in the case of Gibraltar and I am confident that through the necessary dialogue and effort, our two governments will be able to work towards arrangements that are acceptable to all involved."
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, said King Felipe's comments suggested he was treating the British territory as one that could be "traded from one monarch to another" like a "pawn in a chess game".
Mr Picardo urged him to understand that Gibraltar "will remain 100% British", after the
The Gibraltar government insisted it is the most important voice in the future of the British territory and criticised King Felipe's "undemocratic" ignorance of the wishes of its people.
Mr Picardo said: "The people of Gibraltar want normal, friendly relations with Spain on the same basis as with any other country.
"However, we have no desire to form part of Spain or to come under Spanish sovereignty in any shape or form.
"In the times in which we live, territories cannot be traded from one monarch to another like pawns in a chess game.
"The concept of human rights and democracy means that the wishes of people must come first, as much of His Majesty the King of Spain's address to Westminster Hall rightly identified.
"But those principles are not just abstract ones; they apply to Gibraltar and its people too."
Referencing two referenda held in 1967 and 2002 in which the people of Gibraltar voted to remain British, Mr Picardo added: "In Gibraltar the people have spoken loud and clear. Our freely expressed democratic wishes must be respected and that means understanding Gibraltar will remain 100% British."
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments