'We are going to get it back!' Gibraltar demands IMMEDIATE return of symbolic stolen rock
Gibraltar's Chief Minister told crowds: "I have news for Vox - and for you, my friends: We are going to get it back, and it's coming home!"
PA
Gibraltar has found itself embroiled in a fresh Anglo-Spanish row following its Chief Minister's calls for the return of a symbolic stolen rock.
The rock, named "Reefy", had been pinched by Spanish politician Javier Ortega Smith and a crack team of divers in 2013, before being placed in Ortega Smith's Vox party headquarters in Madrid as a trophy - where it has remained ever since.
Reefy had formed part of an artificial reef off the coast of the British territory - which had sparked customary Spanish fury when it was laid down 11 years ago.
Spain had claimed the reef - in place as part of a decades-long British-backed wildlife conservation effort - was stopping Spanish fishermen from working in the area.
Javier Ortega Smith and a crack team of divers had stolen Reefy in 2013
VOX
In protest, Ortega Smith and his men had stolen it - but now, Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has demanded its swift return.
In a speech celebrating Gibraltar's national day on Tuesday, Picardo confirmed the territory had filed a claim in Madrid for Reefy's repatriation.
He continued: "That block is currently at the entrance of the Vox headquarters.
"Well, I have news for Vox - and for you, my friends: We are going to get it back, and it's coming home... Reefy, come home!"
MORE SPANISH ASSAULTS ON THE ROCK:
The Rock of Gibraltar
Fabian Picardo has demanded Spain return Reefy home to Gibraltar
PAFollowing up on his national day address, the Chief Minister explained to The Times: "It's our property. We want it back. It was paid for by Gibraltar's taxpayers for a conservation purpose which was praised by King Charles himself.
"We expect the Spanish courts will order its return to the government of Gibraltar."
But Ortega Smith has hit back, labelling Picardo a "pirate" in an online tirade.
He wrote: "Let's see, pirate Fabian Picardo. If you dare, come and get it and carry it away on your back."
A Gibraltarian government source has been firm on the issue of having "no Spanish boots on the rock"
GETTY
British and Gibraltarian negotiators are uneasy about the prospect of further Spanish control in the peninsula
PAThe Vox spokesman continued: "Gibraltar is Spanish!!! Pirates out of the Rock!!!"
Ortega Smith faces an arrest warrant in Gibraltar over his rock removal - and if sentenced, the Vox firebrand could face 10 years in prison.
The fresh UK-Spain dispute comes a matter of months before the two countries face a deadline to sign a treaty on the future of the territory, with Picardo insisting "there will only be a treaty as long as it is safe".
Though optimism had surged in April that a deal was close, talks have since slowed - with British and Gibraltarian negotiators uneasy about the prospect of Spain controlling Gibraltar's airport and Spanish police being allowed to operate on the peninsula.
Back then, a Gibraltar Government source told GB News they were adamant there would be "no Spanish boots on the Rock" - Gibraltar as a whole, not just Reefy.