HMS Ambush pulls into the naval port in Gibraltar (Picture: PilotsGibraltar/Twitter)

HMS Ambush has arrived in Gibraltar in an attempt to ‘protect it from the Spanish’ following Britain’s Brexit vote on Thursday.

Scotland is told it won’t be able to stay in the EU after Brexit

Gibraltar took part in Thursday’s referendum, as a British overseas territory within the EU, delivering the strongest support for continued membership out of all areas, with 19,322 votes for Remain against just 823 for Leave.

But following the shock result on Friday, the Spanish didn’t hesitate to show their strength, demanding joint sovereignty over the island on the same day.

In a radio interview, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said Brexit has opened up ‘new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time.’




Yet the next day, the attack submarine, which carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, arrived at the Rock’s naval port.

Though navy staff insist the visit was long planned, others have suggested the arrival sends a clear message to the Spanish that the UK’s position on Gibraltar will not change.

MORE: Get out now: EU leader tells Britain it must invoke Article 50 on Tuesday

Gibraltar became part of Britain’s overseas territory in 1713 (Picture: Getty)

A source told the Sun: ‘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.

‘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.’

MORE: Jeremy Corbyn sacks Hilary Benn for raising concerns about his leadership

HMS Ambush is an astute-class nuclear fleet submarine (Picture: Rex)

The Foreign Office has issued their reassurance, stating that the UK will ‘continue to stand beside Gibraltar’ and will never enter into sovereignty negotiations against the wishes of its people.

Though Mr Hammond did make it clear that the UK will be less able to protect Gibraltar’s interests if we are not inside the European Union.

Gibraltar became part of Britain’s overseas territory in 1713 but Spain has nevertheless repeatedly made hints at taking it back.