Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the UK's role is in Arctic security; and if he will make a statement.

As the UK has no sovereignty rights within the Arctic our role in regional security is delivered through our active membership of the various multilateral fora which contribute to underpinning security within the Arctic region. Furthermore, the UK is a long standing observer to the Arctic Council and is one of only four sub-Arctic nations invited to take part in the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable (ASFR). The Government, including the Ministry of Defence, holds a number of security interests in the region in high regard (Freedom of Navigation, Maritime security, energy security) and we use our global influence and ASFR membership to promote compliance with international law and norms.