HMS Ambush Docks in Gibraltar

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

But the official reason given by military sources was that it was 'part of her scheduled operational tasking.

Earlier this week , it was announced that the UK's submarine parachute assistance group would be in Gibraltar next week as part of ongoing mandatory training. 

HMS Ambush is described by the Royal Navy as its newest and most advanced submarine, fitted with “the most up-to-date technology” and providing “a formidable tool at the cutting edge of the UK’s military capability”.

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