This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6198314.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Gibraltar backs 'autonomy' plan Gibraltar backs 'autonomy' plan
(about 4 hours later)
Proposals to devolve more powers from the UK to Gibraltar have been backed in a referendum in the overseas territory.Proposals to devolve more powers from the UK to Gibraltar have been backed in a referendum in the overseas territory.
More than 60% of those who voted supported proposals which would give more power over local affairs and establish an independent judiciary.More than 60% of those who voted supported proposals which would give more power over local affairs and establish an independent judiciary.
Opponents fear the move will lead to "decolonisation", although Britain will retain overall sovereignty. Britain will still retain overall sovereignty and responsibilty for the territory's defence.
The vote comes after Gibraltar, Britain and Spain reached a deal to improve transport and communications links.The vote comes after Gibraltar, Britain and Spain reached a deal to improve transport and communications links.
Border controlsBorder controls
The agreement opened up its airport to flights from other countries, as Spain had previously only allowed fights to Gibraltar from Britain.The agreement opened up its airport to flights from other countries, as Spain had previously only allowed fights to Gibraltar from Britain.
Commercial aircraft will no longer need to perform complicated approaches to avoid using Spanish airspace, although Madrid has not eased restrictions for military flights.Commercial aircraft will no longer need to perform complicated approaches to avoid using Spanish airspace, although Madrid has not eased restrictions for military flights.
Other measures include softening border controls to reduce queuing time and also boosting the number of phone lines into Gibraltar. Other measures include softening border controls to reduce queuing time and Spanish recognition of Gibraltar's international dialing code
Gibraltar, a limestone outcrop on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, occupies a commanding position at the western gateway to the Mediterranean Sea.Gibraltar, a limestone outcrop on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, occupies a commanding position at the western gateway to the Mediterranean Sea.
It has been ruled by Britain since 1713 under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht.It has been ruled by Britain since 1713 under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht.
In 2002, the people of Gibraltar overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that Britain share sovereignty with Spain.In 2002, the people of Gibraltar overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that Britain share sovereignty with Spain.