The Morecambe & Lunesdale MP David Morris has this evening called for “diplomatic pressure” to be “stepped up” to prevent Spanish ships from encroaching into Gilbraltar’s soverign territorial waters.
David Morris MP said:
“The UN Treaties are very specific on this and Gibraltar’s right to territorial waters are defined in international law.”
“About four weeks ago I introduced a Bill into the House of Commons to define the maritime borders in UK law so there can be no doubt of the boundaries.”
During the debate at the Bill’s first reading, David Morris MP said:
“The Bill would define the territorial waters of Gibraltar in primary legislation as 3 nautical miles from the coast of Gibraltar. I do not wish to anger Spain by introducing this Bill. Spain is a key ally, friend and neighbour of the UK. I therefore believe that we should be polite, clear and firm in our approach to this sensitive issue. I believe that cementing in our statute book a definition of the Gibraltan territorial waters would be the most agreeable way forward.”
“It is clear that Spain is choosing to flout the historically recognised boundaries of Gibraltan waters. It is time for Britain to stand firm and make it clear to Spain what the legal boundaries should be…”
The Bill will receive its second reading on Friday 28th February 2014.
Photo: David Morris MP with Gibraltar's First Minister taken earlier this year.