Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help promote stability and prosperity in the Arctic region.

The Government published the UK's new Arctic Policy Framework, 'Looking North', on 9 February. 'Looking North' sets out how the UK will work with partners in the Arctic, including to preserve the security and stability of the region, and to promote our shared prosperity.

The Arctic matters to the UK: we are its nearest neighbour, and its climate, environment, security and prosperity are crucial to our own. The UK remains committed to the long-term stability of the Arctic. We aim for a prosperous Arctic, where economic and commercial development is achieved in a way that is safe, responsible and sustainable.