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SPAIN PLAYS POLITICS WITH BRITISH TOURISTS
Monday 3rd November 2003
The Spanish Government announced today that it has closed its border with Gibraltar because a British cruise ship, which has been hit by a virus, was allowed to dock at its port.
Only healthy passengers were allowed to disembark when the Aurora arrived in Gibraltar, but the Spanish Government decided to close its borders, provoking anger from Gibraltar residents.
Timothy Kirkhope, Conservative MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
"This is no time for politics, Gibraltar has offered sanctuary to people in need. Spain must not use this kind gesture to further its own political agenda.
The health risks to the people of Spain are minimal to say the least. This over-reaction by Spain signals that it has little intention of constructive engagement with Gibraltar. After the next European elections Gibraltar will be represented in the European Parliament for the first time, this is precisely the kind of petty behaviour from Spain that we will seek to address."
