Rights of Gibraltar citizens 'must be protected'
Spanish checks at the border with Gibraltar must "fully respect EU law and remain proportionate," the European Commission has said.
Tensions have escalated after an increase in vehicle searches which has caused major delays for tourists and locals.
Spain has also said it is considering a new 50 euro (£43) fee to cross the border with the British territory.
Peter Hain, Europe minister in Tony Blair's government, explained to the Today programme's Justin Webb that the rights of Gibraltarian citizens "must be protected".
The BBC's Tom Burridge reported from Gibraltar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 6 August 2013.
06 Aug 2013
- From the section Europe