The tragedy unfolded last Tuesday over the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. A British tourist, 34-year-old James Harlow from Manchester, lost his life when his paraglider collapsed mid-flight near Granada. Now the Foreign Office is turning the screw on Brussels.
They want mandatory safety checks for all adventure sports operators across the bloc. But this is not just about grieving a lost holidaymaker. It’s about the shifting power dynamics of post-Brexit diplomacy.
London sees an opening to dictate terms on shared tourist safety standards. The Spanish authorities have already opened a criminal investigation. Early reports suggest the equipment was not properly inspected.
The rental company, a small outfit based in the Alpujarras, faces questions over its licensing. Back in Whitehall, the mood is quietly bullish. A source in the Foreign Office told me: ‘This is a tragic case.
But it also shows why we need tougher rules across the EU. We have the leverage now.’ That leverage comes from the UK’s status as a major source of tourists.
Over 18 million Brits visited Spain last year. The threat of travel warnings or visa delays is a heavy bargaining chip. But the push is not without its critics.
Some Tory backbenchers worry this could fuel resentment in Madrid. Others in the travel industry fear a regulatory burden that could price out small operators. James Harlow’s family, meanwhile, just want answers.
They have hired a Spanish lawyer and are calling for a full inquiry. The paragliding instructor, who survived with minor injuries, has not spoken publicly. The Civil Guard is analysing the wreckage.
For now, the skies over Spain remain open. But the political winds are shifting. Expect this story to drift from the travel pages to the lobby briefings soon.
