Spain welcomes EU parliament passing measures which refer to Gibraltar as a ‘colony’

SPAIN’S has welcomed the European Parliament’s passing of measures which referred to Gibraltar as a ‘colony’ a great step forward as disputes between London and Madrid over the territory continue. 

The measures passed by MEPS, which cover post-Brexit travel visa arrangements for British citizens, referred to the enclave off Southern Spain as a ‘colony of the British crown’. It also referred to Gibraltar being included on a UN list of non-self governing territories.

A Spanish government spokesperson said it would help Spain’s claims over the territory which was ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.

“It is the first time that the European Parliament and member states have recognised that Gibraltar is a colony,” the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Theresa May previously said it was ‘completely inappropriate’ to refer to Gibraltar as a colony.

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the document’s use of the term colony was ‘disgraceful’.

Gibraltar authorities said in a statement: “It is obvious that extreme pressure exerted by Spain and the bullying tactics of Spanish MEPs on purely nationalistic grounds has led to the acceptance of the reference.”