The Spanish government has sent a clear signal to the British government that it is going to get tough over the issue of Gibraltar. It has already vowed to protect Spanish fishermen who are involved in a dispute with fishermen on the Rock over fishing rights. This get tough attitude is not going to endear the people of Gibraltar to Spain. Infact it is going to make matters much worse. Spain states that Gibraltar is the last colony in Europe but it could be argued that Celta and Melilla, the Spanish enclaves in Africa, are one of the last colonies on the African continent. The only way that the issue of Gibraltar is going to be resolved is if there is clear dialogue between Spain and Gibraltar. Britain can act as referee. Spain must launch a charm offensive and try and get the Gibraltarians on their side. It is no good protesting over fishing rights and causing long queues at the border. This is not the way forward. The Spanish government can get tough but they also have more serious maters to deal with, such as the dreadful state of the Spanish economy. While Gibraltar might be a nice little side show for Spain to draw attention away from more pressing matters the Spanish government is fighting a losing battle. The people of Gibraltar want to remain British and Spain´s rather beligerent attitude towards them is just making matters worse. When will the Spanish government realise that they must just try and negotiate with the government of Gibraltar?
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