Speaking calmly and choosing his words carefully like all good diplomats, Nick Kay, the Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Madrid, explains his view that relations between the UK and Spain are currently extremely healthy. We caught up with him during his recent visit to Malaga.
What brings you to Malaga?
It’s a visit really to get to know the city. At the British Embassy in Madrid I am responsible for political, consular and security issues. I am second in command to the Ambassador. We have eight consulates throughout Spain.
How do you see British-Spanish relations at the moment?
Relations are going very well. Just a few weeks ago our Foreign Minister Jack Straw was in Madrid. He spent a day with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel ángel Moratinos, and he had the opportunity and the honour to be received by the King. It was an excellent visit during which we were able to make progress on the question of Gibraltar. This is a matter which is always a possible cause of irritation between the two countries. I’m pleased we’ve made some progress in this area
Speaking of Gibraltar, how do you see the negotiation process that has started between the Government of Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar area?
We see it as a positive move. It’s only logical: the people of Gibraltar ought to cooperate more with the people of the Campo de Gibraltar and vice-versa, because they have a lot of problems in common.
How many British citizens live in Spain and especially on the Costa del Sol?
That is one of the world’s great mysteries. We really do not know exactly how many UK citizens live in Spain. We use a statistic that seems quite reliable, which states that in Andalucía there are 350,000 British residents. The majority of these are in the province of Malaga.
What is your view on the rate of international crime on the Costa del Sol and the British involvement?
Regrettably, part of the international community is involved in crime on the Costa del Sol. This is a challenge we share with the Spanish authorities. We have a great deal of contact with the Spanish government through the Minister of the Interior, José Antonio Alonso, and the Secretary of State, Antonio Camacho. Our Home Office is eager to develop cooperation against organised crime.
Is there a good relationship between the British and Spanish police as far as the exchange of information is concerned?
Yes. And much more so now than in previous years. Now we are eager to reinforce this cooperation.
Courtesy of Sur in English
www.surinenglish.com
