High North Defence Resources 2026-02-02
2026-02-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The RAF radar station at Saxa Vord was an important part of UK defences during the Cold War. It has since been repurposed, but recent activities by Russian vessels like Yantar and Bella 1 have raised concerns about regional security.
With space being identified as a priority in the strategic defence review, will the Government now reassess the significance of Shetland and its waters as we look to the developing situation in the far north?
We deeply value the role that Shetland—and Scotland in general—plays to reinforce the security of the United Kingdom. There are 9,500 full-time troops in Scotland; around 3,000 civilian defence personnel based in Scotland; and over £2 billion was put into the Scottish economy last year to support defence and economic growth throughout the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The reassessment of Shetland's strategic importance due to recent developments in the High North and space prioritization.
Did Not Directly Address The Request For A Reassessment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent Russian activities in the High North have raised concerns about threats to critical subsea infrastructure.
Can the Minister give us a similar assurance on the integrity of cables and communications between our islands across the Pentland Firth, the Minch, the Irish sea and even the Isle of Wight?
My hon. Friend points to a growing level of Russian activity in particular that monitors and potentially threatens our critical undersea infrastructure. We demonstrate that we see, understand and track those Russian threats. We are working with JEF allies to deal with these threats and will step that up further in the months ahead.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing a direct assurance on the integrity of undersea cables connecting various islands.
Acknowledged Concerns But Did Not Provide Specific Assurances
Response accuracy