Gibraltar’s sovereignty ‘is not up for negotiation’, insists UK – as Fabian Picardo ‘reminds’ UN that ‘Spain was a fascist dictatorship when we were a democracy [Video]

THE UK has reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands in light of the agreement to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The shock decision, announced last week, sparked fears in other British Overseas Territories that the government’s resolve to defend their sovereignty may be weakening.

But Foreign Minister David Lammy told the Commons in London that the status of these territories is ‘not up for negotiation.’

He declared the circumstances ‘not comparable’ and added: “The government remains firmly committed to modern partnerships with our overseas territories based on mutual consent.”

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: ‘It’s a sad day for all of us’: The UK’s decision to relinquish the Chagos Islands has left Gibraltar and other British Overseas Territories feeling nervous

The statement will alleviate concerns that may have been rumbling in Gibraltar and should go some way to heading off any Spanish attempt to capitalise on the …