Navy submarine docks in Gibraltar as Spain try to claim sovereignty after Brexit vote

NUCLEAR powered submarine HMS Ambush yesterday steamed to Gibraltar - in a massive show of force against greedy Spain.

The Spanish - emboldened by Britain’s Brexit vote - demanded joint sovereignty over The Rock on the same day the shock results were announced.

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Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said Brexit meant a “complete change of outlook” over the disputed territory.

In a radio interview, Mr Garcia-Margallo said: “It’s a complete change of outlook that opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time.

“I hope the formula of co-sovereignty - to be clear, the Spanish flag on the Rock - is much closer than before.”

But hours later attack submarine HMS Ambush - armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles – was set to dock at the island’s naval port.

Senior Royal Navy sources confirmed to The Sun HMS Ambush was expected to arrive at Gibraltar yesterday afternoon.

Insiders said its arrival sent a clear signal affirming the UK’s position never to negotiate sovereignty on Gibraltar.

A source said: “The timing could not be better, the people of Gibraltar are being a sent a clear message of reassurance.

“There will be no discussion on joint sovereignty - the UK Government has made that clear.

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“These are worrying times for the UK population of Gibraltar, but the sight of the Royal Navy should sooth those nerves. We’re not going anywhere.”

Navy insiders insisted the visit was long planned and “routine” but conceded the timing was “interesting.”

It is unknown if HMS Ambush is resupplying before a mission in the Mediterranean of is she and her 100 strong crew are heading home from a secret mission.

UK overseas territory Gibraltar is a major staging post for military operations globally.

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The Rock has a population of 30,000 who voted 95.9 per cent to Remain as Gibraltar relies heavily on Spain for trade.

The Rock has been a British territory since 1713 but Spain continues to claim sovereignty over the enclave.

Officially the Royal Navy do not comment on submarine deployments.

HMS Ambush docked in Gibraltar as planned on Saturday afternoon.

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