Spanish Navy OPV Vigia P73 enters British waters (Image: Fotografiks)
Spain’s OPV Vigia P73 edged into the East side of the British waters and was then chased for an hour along the coastline by the UK’s HMS Sabre. Gibraltar is a UK Overseas territory connected to Spain’s south coast. Madrid maintains its claim to the land, which was ceded to the British crown in 1713.
The issue of Gibraltar has caused conflict in Theresa May’s Brexit discussions with the EU, with some fearing the Spanish government may try to manoeuvre the negotiations to reclaim control over the peninsula.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in November he took issue with Article 184 of Mrs May’s Brexit deal, which states that the EU and UK will seek to “negotiate rapidly the agreements governing their future relationship”.
He said he believed this is too ambiguous and he wanted to ensure this does not apply to Gibraltar.
Instead, Spain wants to ensure it can engage in bilateral talks with the UK over Gibraltar's future.
READ MORE:
