Charm Offensive

Jack Straw and to a lesser exent Tony Blair are brave men trying to tackle the issue of sovereignty over Gibraltar. Selling any deal with Spain to the Gibraltarians is going to be a nightmare. Also, the Gibraltarians cannot be steam-rolled into accepting a deal with Spain because already Labour and Conservative MPs are concerned about a possible “sell-out.” The government's efforts over Gibraltar should be applauded but I can't really see a deal ever taking place because it will have to be supported by a majority of Gibraltarians. The only way forward is to give “The Rock” greater autonomy or even independence. It would become part of the Commonwealth and could even ask for special status within the European Union. Spain naturally has historic claims to Gibraltar but I think the government of Jose Maria Aznar should realise that no deal can be made without Gibraltar's support. The Spanish government has done nothing to try and win friends on the “Rock” and their deliberate go-slow policy at the border crossing point has only made things worse. Spain has made life difficult for Gibraltarians.