Gib tug-of-war: Cameron calls for European Commission to send inspectors to the border
Sunday, August 18, 2013 @ 2:30 AM
BRITISH prime minister David Cameron has called for the European Commission to send inspectors to Gibraltar to study what he calls 'excessive' border checks by Spanish authorities, leading to queues of between three and seven hours for commuters and tourists.
He is said to have telephoned EC president José Manuel Durão Barroso to give his opinions on the tense situation between the UK and Spain over the Rock, and is also gathering evidence that the border inspections are 'illegal' and merely a retaliation to Gibraltar's having dropped concrete blocks in the sea to make an artificial reef.
Spanish authorities say the blocks will destroy fishing nets and also a major source for fishermen from Spain, whilst the UK says Spanish patrol boats have staged incursions in Gibraltarian waters and opened fire on a jet-skier.
Barroso is said to have confirmed to Cameron (pictured below right) that he will have 'no hesitation' in applying EU laws in relation to the border inspections.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com