Gibraltar row: Spain PM vows to defend nation's interests

Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has persistently sought to regain the tiny southern territory.

MADRID: Spain's prime minister says he won't back down from defending his country's interests amid a recent spike in tensions with London over the disputed British territory of Gibraltar. 

Mariano Rajoy said on Friday that his government "hasn't taken any unlawful measures," after Britain protested about what it calls disproportionate border checks for vehicles entering Gibraltar from Spain. 

Rajoy said Spain "will take all legal measures to defend Spanish citizens' interests," but added that he hoped talks would resolve the issue. 

Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has persistently sought to regain the tiny southern territory. 

The latest spat involves an artificial reef being built off Gibraltar, which Spain says is hurting its fishermen. 

Besides the border checks, Spain has threatened a 50-euro ($66) border-crossing charge and other restrictions.