Police and Borders & Coastguards on high alert in Gib as Ceuta crisis draws out Spanish PM

Police and Borders and Coastguard Agency are on heightened alert following the Ceuta border crisis, but the Government says there is no reason for alarm locally.

It says Gibraltar's immigration, employment and residence laws remain fully in force, and that entering Spain or the Schengen area irregularly does not give anyone the right to enter or settle in Gibraltar.

Spain is deploying military personnel to Ceuta today after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the enclave.

The armed forces are being sent to support the Guardia Civil there, as the regional government describes the situation as a humanitarian and security emergency.

Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called for action from Spain’s central government, while the Interior Ministry says Spain and Morocco have agreed to strengthen measures to prevent further crossings and review the return of those who entered illegally.

The Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez and the Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are travelling to Ceuta today. 

The Gibraltar Government says it is following the emergency with deep concern, although it believes there is no cause for alarm locally.

It has expressed condolences to the families of those who have died and solidarity with the people of Ceuta, as well as Spanish emergency services and humanitarian organisations responding to the crisis.