Weekly round-up: news from Gibraltar

1. Spanish ambassador summoned to UK over Gibraltar incursion

BBC reports: “The Foreign Office has summoned the Spanish ambassador over allegations of “provocative” activities by a Spanish naval vessel in waters off Gibraltar. Europe Minister David Lidington said the ship had sought to redirect two other vessels away from the port of Gibraltar – wrongly claiming they were in Spanish territorial waters. He said he was “extremely concerned” by the actions of the Spanish ship.”

2. New bishop of Gibraltar in Europe will be installed in September on the Rock

Gibraltar Chronicle reports: “Canon Dr Robert Innes, the incoming Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, is being consecrated this Sunday afternoon at Canterbury Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Although Canon Innes will legally become Bishop for Gibraltar in Europe then he will then formally installed in his ‘cathedra’ or bishop’s chair in Gibraltar at the Holy Trinity on Thursday 4 September.”

3. Isola commission welcomes commission push for gaming standards

Gibraltar Chronicle reports: “The Gibraltar Government has welcomed recommendation of the European Commission on common principles for the protection of consumers using online gambling services and the prevention of underage gambling. The long anticipated measures were announced yesterday in Brussels.”

4. Gibraltar chief backs Cameron on union

Herald Scotland reports: “The chief minister of Gibraltar has backed ­Downing Street over Scotland’s referendum. Fabian Picardo declared his support for David Cameron’s stance on Spanish television. Repeatedly asked if he would support Scottish independence on a daytime chat show on the independent Antenna 3 channel, Mr Picardo said: ‘I defend the position of the Prime Minister, David Cameron.’”

5. Gibraltar port reveals incentives to raise competitiveness

Seatrade Global reports: “Gibraltar Port Authority has revealed a series incentives to enhance the competitiveness of the port, including lower tonnage dues. The port’s new fees include a 75% reduction on tonnage dues for vessels calling at the eastern anchorage whose purpose is conducting provisions, stores, spares and crew changes.”

6. Gibraltar opens door to insurance “Part VII Transfers” from the UK

Your Gibraltar TV reports: “The Government has today announced that it has received written confirmation from HM Treasury, United Kingdom Government, that Part VII transfers can take place between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar insurers, subject to Court and Regulatory approval. Minister for Financial Services Albert Isola said: “This is superb news for our Insurance Sector who have been seeking to be able to carry out this business for many many years.”