Tensions Rise As Spain Sends A Warship Into Gibraltar Waters

Gibraltar aerial view looking northwest. Wikipedia

Tensions Growing Off Gibraltar After Royal Navy Confronts Spanish Warship That Had Strayed Into British Waters -- Daily Mail

* Vessel was spotted cruising irregularly and warned to leave
* Foreign Office launches diplomatic protest with Madrid over the incursion

A Spanish warship has been confronted by the Royal Navy near Gibraltar amid growing tensions around the UK outpost.

The armed patrol vessel, which typically carries special forces and marines, was spotted cruising irregularly and warned repeatedly to leave British waters.

Last night, the Foreign Office lodged a diplomatic protest with Madrid over the most serious episode of sabre-rattling off the Rock in half a century.

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My Comment: This smells like an attempt by the Spanish government to distract Spaniards from the economic crisis and the growing corruption scandal in Madrid. It may make a few headlines .... but it is not going to work.

British MPs Condemn Spanish 'Act Of War' Over Gibraltar

Wikipedia

MPs Condemn Spanish 'Act Of War' Over Gibraltar -- The Independent

Spain was accused of an “act of war” today after its naval ships repeatedly entered the territorial waters of Gibraltar.

Bob Stewart, Tory MP for Beckenham, said the British Government needed to "respond robustly to this aggravation" after Commons Leader Andrew Lansley said two Spanish naval vessels entered the waters of Gibraltar on Monday.

He said they were given radio warnings before leaving but Mr Stewart, a former colonel, said the incursion was illegal and the Government needed to "do something about it".

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More News On The British - Spanish Dispute Over Gibraltar

Spain accused of 'act of war' off Gibraltar after two naval vessels enter waters around The Rock -- Daily Mail
British MP accuses Spain of ‘act of war’ over naval ships -- Digital Journal
Spanish navy patrol challenges Gibraltar and the Foreign Office -- Merco Press
Royal Navy shows the flag in Gibraltar waters; 197 Spanish unlawful incursions this year -- Merco Press
Britain’s fastest frigate on mission in Gibraltar waters -- Panorama