Britain's Gibraltar concessions with Spain just to reach a post

Officials in Gibraltar have reportedly expressed concerns about the mounting cancellation of British events in the territory in recent years amid growing tensions over its status.

Amid Brexit negotiations over Gibraltar, a Red Arrows aerobatics display scheduled for last September was cancelled after a Spanish official warned it would be a 'hostile act' and that its response would likely 'not be mild', according to leaked diplomatic cables seen by The Telegraph.

The official allegedly deemed the display 'unnecessary, unconstructive and provocative', with the British Embassy in Spain suggesting it was 'clear that Spain is deeply opposed to the activity'. 

The governor of Gibraltar, in another leaked cable, also reportedly claimed to be 'conscious' that several events in recent years had been 'turned off' including 'not least a visit of HMS Queen Elizabeth... just to appear [Spanish] sensitivities'.

Gibraltar's status, ceded to the British from Spain in 1713, remains contentious, with Britain locked in talks over its future since it left the European Union in 2016. 

Earlier today, the head of the territory spoke more optimistically about the prospects of a permanent arrangement for border checks and transit, stakeholders agreeing 'significant progress' had been made.

The RAF Red Arrows display team perform over the sea at the Bournemouth Air Festival in Dorset. Picture date: Sunday September 3, 2023

The Red Arrows fly in a nine-ship practice display over RAF Waddington, April 8, 2024

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth lies off Rosyth Dockyard on March 22

Leaked cables reveal multiple calls to resolve the issue of the planned event last year resulted in 'more explicit' warnings, according to the newspaper. However the exact threat was left unsaid.

Britain's maintained the event would be mainly within British airspace and that it did not need approval from Spain.

EXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE Top EU commissioner is blasted after saying 'Gibraltar is Spanish' with a former head of Britain's Royal Navy accusing him of 'grandstanding' - as fury builds over the European official's 'incomprehensible' statement 

However, Spain warned of possible retaliation were the display to take place, The Telegraph claimed. 

Vice-Admiral Sir David Steel, the governor of Gibraltar, expressed fears giving in to warnings from Madrid could worsen Britain's position.

'If we back down now we will once again show a weakness that the Spanish will undoubtedly exploit,' he allegedly said, according to the cables.

Britain nonetheless did back off, cancelling displays over both Gibraltar and the island of Menorca. 

The sudden cancellation of the later event on Menorca, set for September 26, contributed to speculation the decision was influenced by pressure from Madrid, The Express reported at the time.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said on the cancellations: 'As part of operational planning, a variety of potential display dates and locations are considered by the RAF. 

'A wide range of factors influence whether these are able to proceed.'

The Red Arrows are an aerobatics display team organised by the Royal Air Force, performing regular events through the summer across the country and abroad.

An 'earlier' visit to Gibraltar by HMS Queen Elizabeth was also reportedly scrapped in order to 'appease' Spain, The Telegraph revealed today. A date was not provided.

It comes amid a slew of recent clashes over the status of the British Overseas Territory, exacerbated by negotiations following Brexit, which ended freedom of movement between Spain and the territory.

Margaritis Schinas, a vice-president of the European Commission, caused controversy earlier this month when he said 'Gibraltar is Spanish'.

Margaritis Schinas' comments were quickly dismissed as 'incomprehensible' by Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares.

With a population of around 34,000, Gibraltar is dependent on the 15,000 Spanish workers who cross the border every day, providing vital services.

But the current temporary agreement could be rescinded by Spain at any time, and are subject to ongoing negotiations agreeing common travel between Gibraltar and the EU's Schengen zone to allow workers to carry on working as normal.

British diplomats have accused the Spanish government of making unacceptable demands that would threaten the sovereignty of Gibraltar, negotiations stalling last summer when Spain demanded jurisdiction over the airport.

2019: British sailors face down a Spanish warship that entered waters around Gibraltar and refused to leave. The standoff began when HMS Sabre followed Spanish vessel OPV Infanta Cristina as it sailed into British waters around the disputed Rock

The Rock of Gibraltar is seen from the Spanish mainland (file photo)

Earlier today, it was reported a post-Brexit agreement on border checks and transit for Gibraltar was 'within kissing distance', however.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo spoke optimistically about the prospects for Britain, Spain and Gibraltar, suggesting a permanent agreement was 'very, very, very, very close'.

He said: 'In English we say 'within spitting distance', but actually it's nicer to say 'within kissing distance'.' 

Since October 2021, officials have met 17 times to discuss a potential resolution to the situation, so far without agreement.

Britain and Spain's Gibraltar dispute: Centuries of painful conflict

The sovereignty of Gibraltar is a major source of tension between the UK and Spain.

Both in 1967 and 2002, the people of Gibraltar rejected proposals for Spanish sovereignty, and in 2016 they voted overwhelmingly (96%) to stay in the European Union.

Yet, despite this, Spain still asserts a claim to the territory.

The tension began in 1704 when an Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar from Spain during the war of the Spanish succession.

The territory was then ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.

Historically, it has proved to be an important base for the Royal Navy.

Now, its economy is based on tourism, financial services and shipping.

Under the 2006 constitution of Gibraltar, the territory governs its own affairs although defence and foreign relations are still the responsibility of the UK Government.

Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, it is an area of 6.8 square kilometres (less than three square miles).