Tensions between the UK and Spain are escalating over Gibraltar.

 

　　London is threatening to take "unprecedented" action against Madrid, while the latter insists it will not back down.

 

　　CRI's London correspondent Tu Yun has more.

 

　　Britain and Spain have been in diplomatic rows since late last month after the Gibraltarian authorities decided to create an artificial reef it claims aimed at replenishing fish stocks.

 

　　But Spain said the Gibraltar authorities made the move deliberately to block Spanish fishing boats in the area.

 

　　Madrid responded by increasing border controls and suggesting that a 50 euro, or some 66 US dollar fee could be imposed on every vehicle entering or leaving Gibraltar through its border with Spain.

 

　　After weeks of discussions British Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain is now considering legal action through the EU against Spain.

 

　　A Downing Street spokesman has called the move "unprecedented", but has not given any details on what the action would be.

 

　　But Spain insists it will not back down, defending its border control measures as "legal and proportionate".

 

　　On Monday, British Royal Navy warships set sail for the Mediterranean.

 

　　The journey will include a stop in Gibraltar.

 

　　But Britain has stressed it's a routine exercise and has nothing to do with the row over Gibraltar, which is currently under British control but also claimed by Spain.

 

　　For CRI, I'm Tu Yun in London.