Questions asked over waters grab

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Sep 2009

Graham and the leader of the Gibraltar Liberal Party Joseph Garcia work together for the Rock

Graham Watson, MEP for Gibraltar, has questioned the European Commission over an environmental ruling that gives Spain authority in Gibraltan waters and accused the British government of being 'asleep at the wheel'.

In December 2008, the Commission declared waters around Gibraltar to be a Site of Community Interest, ensuring environmental protection. However, the application was made by the Spanish government in what is seen as an attempt to grab control of Gibraltan waters.

Graham Watson said;

"This decision makes no sense. The area in question is part of the British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, and this looks like yet another attempt to bully the Rock's government.

"Conservation of the site is also threatened as it is unclear how measures will be put in place and the area policed. It is completely unacceptable for the Spanish government to act in this underhand way."

The European Commission responded to Mr Watson's questions by pointing out that the British government raised no objections to the designation during the whole process. The MEP has written to the Foreign Secretary three times asking for an explanation but has not received a response.

Graham commented;

"The British Government was asleep at the wheel with this one. They have let Gibraltar down through sheer idleness and created yet another legal conflict. This is simply not good enough, and I will not let the matter drop."