Breach of free movement rights - Chief Minister urges UK to protest at highest levels

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo last night confirmed that he had asked the British Government to protest at the highest level at Spain's recent imposition of slow passage through the frontier.

"Each day that passes a different excuse is wielded out in a futile attempt to justify such actions that are contrary to EU freedoms," said Mr Picardo.

Yesterday more visitors came in as Spain celebrated its national holiday and some reported almost five hours in the queues.

Mr Picardo said the Gibraltar Government noted the lengthy queues to which "the Kingdom of Spain continues to subject principally its own citizens who choose to visit or work in Gibraltar".

The Chief Minister emphasised that there was a clear breach of EU freedoms.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that the matter was being taken up with Spain at Madrid and local level. Whilst it is acknowledged that Spain can carry out reasonable checks at the border, at immigration and customs, the UK protest raises concerns that such "disproportionate checks can interfere with the freedom of movement of persons" to which Gibraltar is entitled.

Music Credits: Adrian Pisarello & the EC Band

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