London - The British government denied yesterday that it had received a 72-hour ultimatum from Madrid to ratify an October agreement on fishing in Gibraltar's waters.
"We are aware of Spanish press reports but we have received no formal request from the Spanish authorities," said a Foreign Office spokesman.
Official sources in Madrid said Spain had given its warning to British ambassador Mr Peter Torry on Wednesday after the Royal Navy seized a Spanish trawler for use of illegal nets.
The Foreign Office confirmed the British ambassador in Madrid had had a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Mr Abel Matutes. But "the issue of the 72 hours ultimatum was not raised", the spokesman said.