THIRTY-FIVE years ago Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands setting in train a series of events that, arguably, can still be felt today, not least in the bellicose reaction to the EU’s Brexit guidelines.

Over the weekend, British politicians were falling over each other to accuse Spain of using Brexit as an excuse to make a land grab for Gibraltar.

One, former Conservative leader Michael Howard, who really should know better, even suggested Theresa May would be prepared to go to war to protect the Rock.

Within days of triggering Article 50, Lord Howard was openly discussing declaring war on a key European ally.

As well as being grossly insulting, the veteran Tory clearly forgot that as a member of Nato, Britain would be duty-bound to come to Spain’s aid if it is attacked.

Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, also used strong language to reassure Gibraltarians that the UK Government has their best interests at heart.

Maybe so, but the Royal Navy is a shadow of the Senior Service that was able to pull together a task force to re-take the Falkland Islands.

In 1982, the navy had 127 vessels – including two aircraft carriers and 60 destroyers and frigates. Even then, the Falklands campaign was, to misquote Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, a “damn close-run thing”.

Today the Royal Navy has no aircraft carriers (albeit two on order) and a modest fleet of 13 frigates and destroyers. It is a territorial defence force. Any suggestion the UK could storm Gibraltar if Spain decides to move in is ludicrous.

All this sabre-rattling would be laughable, if it weren’t so inflammatory.

Britain’s Brexit negotiations are going to be difficult enough without threatening to go to war about it.