AN EU official has sparked a diplomatic row by saying Gibraltar is Spanish during high-stakes Brexit talks.
Margaritis Schinas said “Gibraltar Español”, which means “Gibraltar is Spanish”, when asked about sensitive negotiations.
The remark has triggered fury both in the UK and Spain, with a Tory former cabinet minister accusing Brussels of seeking to undermine British sovereignty over The Rock.
The Spanish government also issued an unprecedented rebuke, describing the comments as “very unfortunate and incomprehensible”.
Gibraltar has been a point of contention between Britain and Spain for centuries.
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In a 2002 referendum, 98.97 per cent of Gibraltarians voted down a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain. British and EU negotiators are now locked in talks over the creation of a common travel area between Spain and Gibraltar before June’s European Parliament elections.
Failure to get one done before the vote could leave Gibraltar facing a hard border with Spain.
Mr Schinas, the EU Commissioner for promoting the “European Way of Life” told Spanish reporters: “I can more comfortably say ‘Gibraltar Español’ after Brexit.”
On the talks, which have dragged on for years, Mr Schinas said: “I don’t believe there will be a result before the European elections, and I think some involved in the negotiation wanted to project a certain optimism that is not reflected in reality.”
Former minister David Jones told The Telegraph Mr Schinas had “let the cat out of the bag”, adding: “The EU clearly intends the negotiations to result in Spanish sovereignty over the Rock.
“He underestimates the resolve of both the UK and the people of Gibraltar.”