Thatcher worried about Gibraltar during the Falklands war

Margaret Thatcher repeatedly agonised over Gibraltar's vulnerability to attack from the Spain during the 1982 Falkland's conflict, newly released cabinet papers reveal.

 

"I understand that the prime minister has expressed concern about the implications of the Falklands Islands crisis for Gibraltar," one of her private secretaries recorded in papers released to the National Archives under the 20 year rule, adding: "particularly in the light of reports of the jubilant reaction in the Spanish press."

 

A British military review of Gibraltar's position gave "a rather more reassuring picture", he remarked, adding: "We have no reason to believe that there is an increased military threat to Gibraltar from the Spanish government.