Gibraltar must stay British – MP
By Plymouth Herald | Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 05:30
CITY MP Oliver Colvile has warned Spain to "keep its hands off our Rock".
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Oliver Colvile MP with Miss Gibraltar, Jessica Baldachino (left), and former Miss World Kaiane Aldorino
Mr Colvile, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, visited the British overseas territory on Gibraltar Day.
Spain contests sovereignty of the Rock, which commands the entrance to the Mediterranean.
Mr Colvile attended the celebration in his capacity as vice-chairman of the Armed Forces All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Speaking at a rally of 10,000 people in the main square, he said: "Gibraltar has been British since 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht when the Royal Marines repelled Spanish and French forces during the siege of Gibraltar.
"The Royal Marines are so proud of their part in this siege that it is the one battle honour that they recognise and is the badge that they wear on their berets."
Earlier this month, in a parliamentary question, Mr Colvile urged William Hague, the Foreign Secretary to stop Spanish fishermen from fishing in Gibraltar waters.
"The Rock has close links with Plymouth through their Dockyards. It is British, and should remain so until the people of Gibraltar decide otherwise."
Comments
Oliver Colvile wants more press regulation, would it mean an end to wonderful articles like this that show him hard at work?
Rick O'Shay
Zog
By Rick_OShay at 11:25 on 11/11/12
ReportAs Gibraltareans,and Falkland Islanders have constantly expressed their wish to remain part of the British Crown,may I respectfully suggest that Spain,and Argentina both go,and do one.
By willems at 15:42 on 22/09/12
ReportDoesn't look like they are keeping their hands off your "rock", Oliver.........
By cajohn at 11:33 on 22/09/12
ReportI must admit i exagerated some of my comments about Gibraltar earlier. It did raise some good debate though and i don't apologies for that. However, i do believe that it should be given it's independance.
As for all of the comments about Colville and the next election, What are the alternatives? Have Labour got a replacement for the unpopular Gilroy yet? Will the Libdems stand a chance (anywhere)?
We may well retain this bumbing idiot for another 5 years. At least we can have fun with his ineptitude.
By mjohn at 11:25 on 22/09/12
Report@GreenGom - That comment is just ridiculous. There is no comparison. The Empire was built at a time of Britain's rise during the industrial revolution not as a poor country with a nutter at the helm.
Look back at the Olympics to see the number of Commonwealth countries that appeared. They are the remnants of the Empire. They seem pretty pleased to be a part of a British collective. Those that gained independence did so without violence and were left to rule themselves; keeping the governmental structures that they knew got them to the stage when they felt they could rule autonomously.
By blogtodi at 09:04 on 22/09/12
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