Gibraltar and the Falklands deny the logic of history | Simon Jenkins

These relics of empire pay hardly any UK tax – but when the neighbours cut up nasty, they demand the British protect them

Nothing beats a gunboat. HMS Illustrious glided out of Portsmouth on Monday, past HMS Victory and cheering crowds of patriots. Within a week it will be off Gibraltar, a mere cannon shot from Cape Trafalgar. The nation's breast heaves, the tears prick. The Olympic spirit is off to singe the king of Spain's beard. How dare they keep honest British citizens waiting six hours a...