THE EU is “behaving like a cuckolded husband who is taking it out on the children” by giving Spain a veto over Gibraltar's future, according to its chief minister.

Fabian Picardo has accused the Madrid government of “bullying” the territory, and says Brussels is allowing it to happen.

5 Fabian Picardo accused Donald Tusk of "behaving like a cuckolded husband" Credit: PA

He scolded the European Council chief Donald Tusk for allowing Madrid a veto over the Brexit deal in relation to the future of the Rock.

And Mr Picardo said the British Overseas Territory would not allow itself to become a bargaining chip in EU talks.

He said: “We are not going to be a victim of Brexit as we are not the culprits of Brexit: we voted to stay in the European Union so taking it out on us is to allow Spain to behave in the manner of the bully."

This morning Boris Johnson confirmed Gibraltar's status can only be changed by the territory's people and UK citizens.

It comes as Spain’s foreign minister taunted the UK for “losing its composure” in the row over the peninsular, saying his Government has been “surprised” by the UK’s sabre-rattling.

MOST READ IN POLITICS Exclusive BOJO PLEA We need tough love to flatten 2nd camel-like Covid hump and save Xmas, says Boris Exclusive NO 'SNEAKS' Don't snitch on neighbours unless they're having 'Animal House parties' says PM FOLLOW THE RULES Boris hints at second lockdown if Brits fail to follow 'rule of six' Exclusive EU ARE 'ABUSIVE' Boris slams Brussels for failing to act in good faith over Brexit deal PM'S PLEDGE Boris to unveil £546m winter rescue package to fight off Covid-19 in care homes STOP THE SPREAD Tougher lockdown 'in 2 weeks' could include pub curfews if rule of 6 fails

Alfonso Dastis said Madrid has been taken aback by calls for military action to defend the Rock’s sovereignty, saying Britain is normally “known for its composure”.

Seizing on words by ex-Tory leader Lord Howard he said: “Comparing Gibraltar with the Falklands is taking things out of context.

5 Spain's foreign minister Alfonso Dastsis has taunted Britain over Gibraltar Credit: DPA

“It looks like someone in the UK is losing their composure.”

During a press conference Mr Dastis called for calm, saying: "The Spanish government is a little surprised by the tone of comments coming out of Britain, a country known for its composure.”

Also this morning Jack Straw labelled talk of going to war with Spain over Gibraltar “absurd”, and said the impasse will not get in the way of getting a good Brexit deal.

5 The Gibraltar leader had strong words for the European Council leader Credit: Getty Images

The former foreign secretary said the comments by Lord Howard threatening the use of force “reeks of 19th century jingoism”.

Yesterday the Tory grandee compared any attempt of a land grab by Spain to Argentina’s bid to seize the Falklands in 1982.

He said he was confident the Prime Minister would “show the same resolve” as Margaret Thatcher did 35 years ago.

5 Mr Picardo appeared on the BBC yesterday as the row escalated Credit: PA

He told the Sophy Ridge show on Sky News: “There’s no question whatever that our government will stand by Gibraltar.

"Thirty-five years ago this week another woman prime minister sent a task force half way across the world to defend the freedom of another small group of British people against another Spanish speaking country.

“And I’m absolutely certain that our current prime minister will show the same resolve in standing by the people of Gibraltar.”

Amid increasing fears over the future status of Gibraltar after the EU handed the Spanish a veto as part of Brexit talks, Theresa May was forced to issue a special reassurance to the peninsula’s 30,000 population.

Mr Straw told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "The idea of Britain going to war, or Spain going to war against Britain, over Gibraltar is frankly absurd and reeks of 19th century jingoism.

"I doubt very much that Gibraltar will be the deal breaker."

5 Theresa May was forced to call Gibraltar's leader and reassure him after the EU's threat Credit: PA

She rang Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo to promise the UK will “never enter into arrangements” on sovereignty against its will.

No 10 said she “reiterated our long-standing position that the UK remains steadfastly committed to our support for Gibraltar, its people and its economy”.

And Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon promised Gibraltar it will be “protected all the way” through Brexit talks.