UK and Spanish PM Hold Gibraltar Border Talks 07.08.13
11David Cameron has told Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy the situation at the border with Gibraltar is "not acceptable" as the two leaders held talks aimed at calming tensions.
No 10 said that in the "constructive" phone call Mr Rajoy agreed to reducing measures at the border which have led to lengthy delays for Gibraltarians, but a statement issued by the Spanish government made no reference to any such concession and insisted procedures at the frontier were proportionate.
Speaking after the call, the Prime Minister said he was very clear that Britain "will always stand up for the people of Gibraltar".
His intervention followed a formal protest by Britain's ambassador in Madrid over "disproportionate" checks at the border and Spanish threats to levy a charge on vehicles crossing the border and to close airspace.
The dispute has flared up over allegations of damage to fishing grounds caused by Gibraltarian authorities following the creation of an artificial reef.