MINISTERS were accused of betraying Gibraltar last night after confirming Spanish access to the Rock’s airport is on the EU negotiating table.

Junior Brexit minister Robin Walker said it was worth “having a discussion” with Madrid on issues “relating to shared economic benefit” when probed by peers about the future of the airport.

3 Ministers have been blasted for putting Gibraltar airport on the EU negotiating table Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

The Spanish have eyed the Ministry of Defence’s strategically important runway on their southern tip for decades as they have no airport of their own nearby — but the Government insist its ownership is not under threat.

But last night MPs from across the divide reacted in fury — warning it would be the “thin edge of the wedge” for a Spanish grab on British territory, disputed since 1713.

As part of our exit negotiations, Britain, Spain and Gibraltar are studying plans to give the Spanish an access point into Gibraltar Airport with additional flight that was first suggested in 2006.

Madrid has a veto over the final terms of Brexit, and have been pushing for more access as part of that deal.

3 Junior Brexit minister Robin Walker has come under fire for the call Credit: Getty - Contributor

Giving evidence to the House of Lords last night, Mr Walker said the airport was “somewhere I believe we can have a shared and collaborative approach.”

Asked if tension over the airport could delay Brexit, he signalled a compromise, but insisted: “Spain has made clear that it had no intention to pursue its sovereignty objectives through these negotiations and we welcome that.”

Under the terms of the 2006 Cordoba Agreement between Gibraltar and Madrid, the Spanish were offered quick access to the airport that lies exactly on the border with the British Overseas Territory — an airport expansion would take passengers straight into Spain.

But the deal was never implemented.

Last night the Government confirmed that offer was back on the table with the blessing of the Gibraltarians who believe it could bring an economic boost to the region.

3 Iain Duncan Smith has revealed his concerns over the future of the airport Credit: Rex Features

But former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said he was “concerned” at attempts to link the airport to Brexit, adding: “Gibraltar is British and so is its airport and there can be no watering down of that.”

And fellow Tory Andrew Rosindell warned any Spanish attempt to “extend their tentacles into Gibraltar will be cut off.”

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The Rock champion added: “This could be good of both Spain and Gibraltar, but the Spanish must not be allowed to encroach on one millimetre of British sovereign soil.”

And they were joined by Lib Dem MP Layla Moran from the Best for Britain group, who blasted: “There is no price the Government won’t pay to ram Brexit through.”

She added: “Even Gibraltar’s airport is now on the negotiating table.

“Shame on them for abandoning our kinsmen and women.”

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