Mr Aznar has warned them that maintaining the status quo would damage their interests - the failure of the deal, he said, meant that Spain would continue to limit the use of Gibraltar airport, the development of the territory and his government's relations with Britain.

BBC: Analysis: Crunch talks for Rock

The Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar said the purchase could provide Cardiff Airport with an unfair advantage over other regional airports.

BBC: Cardiff Airport buyout threatens Bristol, says MEP