Ongoing issue

NEGOTIATIONS have been ongoing for a prolonged period of time now between the United Kingdom and Spain about who should control the borders of Gibraltar, even before the Brexit agreement was passed through, and that subsequent deal has seemingly made things a lot more difficult to discuss.

Gibraltar is indeed self­governed but the territory is owned by the United Kingdom, meaning that any defence required would be provided by the UK due to them having the overall control of the country.

Spain are still very keen on Gibraltar being returned to them as it is part of their territory, but with the United Kingdom having captured and conquered it for a long period of time, they are seemingly fighting a losing battle.

Negotiations regarding the status of Gibraltar have been in limbo since the Brexit agreement was passed as it meant the highly sought ­ after territory was no longer part of the European Union.

It appears the key sticking point in any sort of negotiations is centred around Gibraltar airport with the Spanish apparently demanding they can have control of it, something that is not even up for debate from the United Kingdom’s perspective.

Around 30,000 people are said to cross the Gibraltar ­ Spain border every single day, with 15,000 of them said to be workers that reside in Cadiz – which is Spanish territory – which has forced Madrid and Gibraltar to try and loosen restrictions and border control.

The Spanish are said to believe that for any sort of agreement on free movement to be found between Gibraltar and Spain, the latter should have the freedom to control both the port and airport, which would require Spanish border officers to be deployed into Gibraltar.

The Spanish government believes that the ball is firmly in the UK’s court, but despite both parties not wanting to make it more difficult to cross the border, nobody wants to give up any sort of territory.

ON July 7, 8 and 9 a medieval market will be set up in the town centre of La Nucia to commemorate the signing of the town charter.

This market has been held since 2005 and this year includes a medieval camp, fencing, belly dancing, medieval characters, troubadours, fire shows, workshops for children and craft demonstrations.

More than 40 authentic artisans have reserved a space to sell what they have made with their own hands. The Plaza Mayor and the streets surrounding the town hall will be filled with stalls with a wide variety of authentic crafts.