Else Beekman
The British Armed Forces will conduct military drills in Gibraltar on 9 and 12 July, sending what many see as a clear message to Spain about the United Kingdom’s determination to defend its sovereignty over the Rock.
According to the Strategic Command in Gibraltar, soldiers will patrol from Devil’s Tower Road to Maida Vale and towards the Buffadero Training Centre via Engineer Road or Europa Road between 14:30 and 16:30 on both days. Troops will wear full uniform and carry unloaded weapons.
Third drills in five months
These are the third military drills in Gibraltar in just five months. They come only a month after the UK, the European Union, and Spain reached a political agreement on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described UK sovereignty over Gibraltar and its surrounding waters as “sacrosanct” and “irrefutable” when announcing the deal in Parliament.
Spain considers Gibraltar a colony
According to El Debate, the exercises underscore tensions around the enclave, which Spain officially regards as a colony. Since the 1970s, Gibraltar has been listed by the United Nations as a “non-self-governing territory pending decolonisation”. Spain argues this “colonial vestige” breaches Resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960 on decolonisation, maintaining that the principle of restoring Spain’s territorial integrity applies rather than the right to self-determination.
Royal Navy activity in disputed waters
In March, the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron carried out joint maritime exercises in waters claimed by Spain. The operation involved the patrol vessel HMS Dagger, two Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boats, Gibraltar Defence Police vessels, the Royal Gibraltar Police, and HM Customs.
Call for compensation in La Línea
Meanwhile, the town council of La Línea de la Concepción has called for stable economic compensation for hosting British military facilities next door. Compensation similar to funding received by Spanish municipalities with shared US bases, such as Rota or Morón.
Spain and UK reach landmark Gibraltar border deal after years of negotiations