Spain calls for calm over Gibraltar after former Conservative leader makes Falklands comparison

In a series of television interviews over the weekend, Lord Howard repeatedly compared the situation to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands which led to war with the UK.

Madrid has urged the UK to calm down over Gibraltar, after former Conservative leader Lord Howard suggested Theresa May would defend the territory as Margaret Thatcher did the Falklands.

The future status of the Rock emerged as a potential issue in Brexit talks after European Council president Donald Tusk circulated draft EU negotiating guidelines suggesting Spain would have a veto over the British overseas territory's participation in a future deal.