Fabian Picardo is 'winning every battle', laments Margallo

Spain’s former Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo has renewed calls for joint sovereignty over Gibraltar, criticising the Spanish government for abandoning the principle of territorial integrity.

He says Chief Minister Fabian Picardo is winning all the battles.

Speaking in an interview with El Pais national daily newspaper, Mr Margallo - one of the most disliked Spanish politicians ever on the Rock - says the UK’s post-Brexit deal with the EU has allowed Gibraltar to maintain an unfair tax regime that disadvantages the neighbouring Campo de Gibraltar.

He argues that Spain, backed by international law, had a unique opportunity during Brexit negotiations to assert its claim, an opportunity he believes was squandered.

Mr Margallo also highlighted environmental and legal disputes over territorial waters, blaming Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo for flouting international regulations.

He reaffirms the co-sovereignty model first proposed under José María Aznar and Tony Blair, which would see Spain and the UK share responsibilities over foreign affairs, immigration, and defence, while granting Gibraltar self-government and dual nationality.

He warns that maintaining the status quo damages both legal credibility and regional development.