If the incidents yesterday show anything, it is the importance of operators on the ground understanding the politics and legal framework in which they are working.

Statements, not just to Gibraltar but quickly published throughout Spain, apologising for the ‘error’ reflect a genuine intention in Madrid to stand by their policy on co-operation, but battle on diplomatically on the sovereignty front. They did not want this to go out of control. Apologies from a Spanish Interior Minister to a Gibraltar Chief Minister are no small thing.

The Civil Guard appear to have been reckless in their approach to the albeit-genuine chase of suspects. The urgency now is to get back to the tripartite table and ensure that protocols are agreed and understood. Then co-operation must thrive.

This is not the first time that the Civil Guard lands on our shores, but they must understand that Gibraltar’s jurisdiction must be respected. The RGP acted professionally and should be congratulated for that.