Answering in parrot fashion without saying anything - Carmen Gomez Diary

The response is always one of empathy, but of a constant reminding of what an excellent relationship the British Government has with that of Spain. In a questions and answers session in January this year in the Houses of Parliament, there comes a point when Baroness Butler-Sloss states, that Gibraltarians are worried about Spain exercising its veto; to which the reply from Lord Callanan is; “I really do not think that the word “veto” should be used in these circumstances; we have excellent relations with Spain bla bla and expect a positive result.

Next, Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, ignores this and mentions having spoken to Sir Joe, who talks about a potentially hostile state that has designs on our territory, and she reiterates the question of Spain’s

Veto. This time Lord Callanan does not mention the word veto as before but goes on to say that he does not think using the words “hostile state,” is helpful in these circumstances. He reiterates that discussions with Spain have been positive.

Baroness Harris of Richmond then remarks about the ongoing queues at the frontier which are still there, and asks what discussions have been had with Spain over this? Lord Callanan notes that queues are unacceptable and inconvenient, but that these matters are discussed regularly in their excellent discussions with the Spanish government. Do you not agree with me that all this appears to be a terrible waste of time? Because not only are no direct replies given, but on top of which there seems to be an attitude of not wanting to face the reality of the situation as the Gibraltarians see it. Not wanting to call a spade, a spade.

15-08-18 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR