Why doesn't the United Kingdom give back Gibraltar?

Why doesn't the United Kingdom give back Gibraltar? I'm just wondering why they keep it around when they really have no use for it anymore.

There's several reasons for it

1. It might not have as much importance now, but it gives the UK a strategic port in the Mediterranean sea, which is very useful for trade and stops and if the situation arises a naval base for war (like in WW2)

2. Gilbraltar is now one of the few British colonies left in the world, and one that actually has some value in keeping. It would would lower British pride further than it already has, and no government would want to take that loss (espcially the current Conservative government)

3. The people of Gilbraltar identify more as British now than Spanish, and the majority of them speak English. The UK government has also promised if the people wish to leave, they need to pass a referendum on it, and last time that happened (15 years ago in case youre wondering) nearly 99% of the people voted no with an estimated turnout of 88%.

4. Spain is hardly threatening for the UK, so I doubt they care about Spain's claim unless something close to a major war is gonna occur.

^ All great reasons.

I am currently reading "An Army at Dawn" which is about the American campaign in North Africa (1942-1943). Gibraltar was absolutely vital to the allied operation.

During the planning phases, there was a huge worry that Fascist Spain would take Gibraltar and cut off the American troops from resupply. This was such a great threat that the Americans diverted 1/3 of their invasion force to take Morocco, to secure ports on the Atlantic Ocean.

Since then both Americans and the British have supported the status quo in Gibraltar and with America's current position in the world, I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Not only is it's population British, not only have they voted against joining Spain and want to stay in the UK, but it's a massive strategic point in the world of geography. It sits at the mouth of the Mediterranean and before the Suez canal, the only way to get out to the open ocean was to pass by it. Plus there's no real gain to giving away the territory.

Don't worry about it, It will be regained by Spain in the war of European unification.

The easy answer (which has been mentioned) is that the people of Gibraltar don't want to return to Spain.

The more complicated answer is antiquated treaties and agreements made when Spain was a waning power.

Gibraltar is of significant strategic import to the United Kingdom. It allows the UK to control the maritime routes through the Gibraltar Strait and it proved an invaluable asset during World War II. It's unlikely the UK will ever give it up, and Spain has never been in a position to challenge the British claim to the peninsula. Besides, Spain already has a similar exclave directly across the strait.