Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase UK ice cutter ship capacity for use in the High North.

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.