tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110873829655511995.post6029175868042141378..comments2023-06-10T00:01:59.851+02:00Comments on Thoughts from a Mountain: The Grown-ups Are Fighting in the Sandbox, or Little Fishies (Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place)He Who Talks Bollockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15279294907163329157noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110873829655511995.post-4777379321090638042013-09-04T15:40:28.811+02:002013-09-04T15:40:28.811+02:00Whatever the present, or indeed past and future Br...Whatever the present, or indeed past and future British governments' attitude to Gibraltar is, I feel that the most scandalous element is the fact that a few thousand tax dodgers and smugglers sunning themselves in the Med. can dictate British foreign and defence policy. <br />Due to the Rock's legal status as an Overseas Territory (OT), the UK cannot and could not get rid of this particularly shameful possession without the locals' permission. And let's face it, being able to carry out trade, be it illicit or otherwise, under the protection of the British flag is a powerful argument to remain an OT.<br />In a democracy the minority view must always be respected and protected, but what is happening in this case is nothing more than a flagrant abuse of the British State and taxpayer. <br /> <br />He Who Talks Bollockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15279294907163329157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3110873829655511995.post-43192947543090958802013-09-03T14:44:54.834+02:002013-09-03T14:44:54.834+02:00Thanks for your able survey of the Gibraltar "...Thanks for your able survey of the Gibraltar "situation". I had already noticed that even the BBC plays down Britain's part in the débâcle in order to make it all seem the fault of these aggressive Spaniards.<br /><br />I hope the monitors from Europe will inject some sense into the situation when they eventually turn up.<br /><br />Cameron has recently received a slap in the face from Parliament over Syria. Another slap, from Europe over Gibraltar, would be welcome.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com