British warships in Gibraltar 'show of power'

 
9 August 2013

Defence chiefs boasted today that a task force of warships calling at Gibraltar would show off the Royal Navy’s “formidable strength” and ability to “project power”.

With the flotilla preparing to sail on Monday, their language contrasted with official assurances that the deployment was a “routine” exercise rather than a show of strength to Spain. Today Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy held talks with King Juan Carlos at a traditional summer conference in Palma, Mallorca. Mounting tensions over the Rock are expected to be addressed at a press conference afterwards.

The dispute flared in June when Spanish police were accused of firing at a jet-skier. Then, last month, Gibraltar dumped concrete blocks into the sea to make a reef. Spain retaliated by creating long delays at the border.

Last night it emerged that a frigate, HMS Westminster, and two auxillary vessels will arrive at the Rock around August 19, before taking part in an exercise called Cougar 13. Today the MoD released photos of stores being loaded onto the ship and its bell being polished, plus images of heavy weapons.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the exercises would show off UK military power: “Since its creation, the Response Force Task Group has demonstrated its formidable strength and readiness to respond to emerging threats worldwide. This routine and long-planned deployment ... underlines the global reach and flexibility of the Navy.” Commodore Paddy McAlpine, commander of UK Task Group, said: “Cougar 13 is an opportunity to enhance the Navy’s enduring core skill: the ability to operate and project power.”

Spain’s foreign ministry called the visit “routine” and said the UK Government had asked permission for the warships to stop at Rota, near Cadiz.

Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo expressed “delight” that David Cameron appeared to have granted his wish for Britain to send gunboats.

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