The Spectator

Barometer: Spain’s own version of Gibraltar

issue 10 August 2013

Other people’s rocks

Spain threatened to introduce a €40 border-crossing charge and find other ways of making life difficult for people of Gibraltar. A reminder of some Spanish colonial possessions:

Ceuta North African city captured by the Portuguese in 1415. Sided with Spain when Portugal became an independent country again in 1640. Despite claims by Morocco, Spain affirmed its intention to keep it when King Juan Carlos visited in 2007.

Melilla Along the coast from Ceuta.  Seized by Spain in 1497. Uprising of local African population suppressed. King Juan Carlos visited in 2007, ignoring Moroccan protests.

Penon de Alhucemas Fortified skerry off Morocco. Given to Spain in 1559 by the Muley Abdala el Gabib in return for help fighting the Ottoman empire. The Spanish army continues to occupy the rock in spite of protests from Morocco.

Lots of zeroes

Vince Cable began an investigation into ‘zero hours contracts’, where employees are not guaranteed work.

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