The Spanish government issued a statement saying it "cannot prevent the docking of nuclear submarines in port in Gibraltar, as its interior waters were ceded by Spain to Great Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht (...)", the Europa Press news agency reported.

The statement said Madrid was nonetheless still hoping that Britain, as an ally, would be constructive over the issue "to guarantee the security of the people who live in the area."

In May 2001, former Spanish foreign minister Josep Pique said former British foreign minister Robin Cook had told him nuclear repairs to British submarines in Gibraltar would cease.

However there have been several such visits since, including last February by HMS Sceptre for maintenance, an arrival which prompted a formal protest from Madrid and also drew a complaint from Gibraltar whose authorities said they were not told in advance of the visit.

Despite the sensitivities of Spain and Gibraltar, Britain continues to argue that Gibraltar provides an important support facility for maintenance and several other submarines have docked there in recent years.

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