Press release

Minister Swire condemns Spanish incursions

Spanish vessels have once again entered British Gibraltar Territorial Waters in a clear violation of the international law of the sea.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Hugo Swire
• Published: 9 August 2015

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Speaking today Minister Hugo Swire said:

On 9 August Spanish state vessels repeatedly entered British Gibraltar Territorial Waters without notifying Gibraltarian authorities. We understand that the Spanish were in pursuit of vessels who may have been committing crimes. However it is completely unacceptable and unlawful under the international law of the sea to enter our waters without notifying us.

These repeated incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters are a clear violation of UK Sovereignty by another EU country and we will be raising this as a matter of urgency with the Spanish authorities.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire on Twitter @HugoSwire

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 9 August 2015