Spain's foreign minister has urged the UK not to "lose tempers" over Gibraltar after sabre-rattling from a former Tory leader.

Alfonso Dastis said he had been "surprised" by the tone of the response after the EU unveiled Brexit negotiation guidelines that effectively gave Spain significant power over Gibraltar's future.

It comes after former Conservative leader Lord Howard suggested on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that Theresa May could be willing to defend the British territory - like Margaret Thatcher had over the Falklands.

Image: War over Gibraltar? Don't lose your temper, says Spain's foreign minister

Mr Dastis told a conference in Madrid: "The Spanish government is a little surprised by the tone of comments coming out of Britain, a country known for its composure."

A Downing Street spokesman said that a task force being sent to Gibraltar "isn't going to happen".


However, they refused to condemn Lord Howard's comments saying they underlined the strength of feeling in the UK on the issue.

He said: "All that Lord Howard was trying to establish is the resolve that we will have to protect the rights of Gibraltar and its sovereignty."

Brexit Secretary David Davis is in Spain on a pre-planned trip, said the spokesman, and has raised the issue of Gibraltar with the Spanish government.

Speaking shortly after Mr Dastis on Monday, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the sovereignty of Gibraltar could not change without the agreement of Britain and Gibraltar.

He said: "The position of the Government is very, very clear; which is that the sovereignty of Gibraltar is unchanged and it is not going to change and cannot conceivably change without the express support and consent of the people of Gibraltar and the United Kingdom, and that is not going change."

Brexit: Peer compares Gibraltar row to Falklands

Gibraltar's chief minister, Fabian Picardo, has also added to the growing diplomatic row.

He accused European Council President Donald Tusk of behaving like a "cuckolded husband who is taking it out on the children" for including the territory in negotiating guidelines.

He said Spain was trying to bully Gibraltar and that the EU was letting it happen.

Theresa May reassured Mr Picardo at the weekend that she would get the "best possible outcome on Brexit" for Gibraltar.

Picardo: 'Gibraltar is not a political pawn'

She said she remained "steadfastly committed" to 'the Rock', amid concerns it could become a "bargaining chip".

Speaking on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, Lord Howard said: "I think there's no question whatever that our Government will stand by Gibraltar.

He said: "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.

"I'm absolutely certain that our current prime minister will show the same resolve in standing by the people of Gibraltar."

When asked later to clarify his comments, Lord Howard said: "I can see no harm of reminding them what kind of people we are."

Spain has a long-standing territorial claim on Gibraltar, which has been held by the UK since 1713 and has the status of a British overseas territory.

Draft Brexit negotiating guidelines, sent out on Friday, contained a clause suggesting Spain would be able to veto any future trade deal between the EU and the UK.

Image: Gibraltar has been under British sovereignty since 1713

Former Labour foreign secretary Jack Straw told Radio 4's Today programme on Monday: "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 very much doubt that Gibraltar will be the deal breaker."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said it was "unbelievable" that within a week of triggering Article 50 "there are Conservatives already discussing potential wars with our European neighbours".