Defence North Sea 2024-05-20
2024-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background event or statistic provided. The question is about assessing current defence capabilities.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's defensive capacity in the North sea?
Protecting the United Kingdom and responding to threats in our territorial waters is core business. In conjunction with our allies and partners, we constantly monitor activity in UK waters and deter threats. Our warships patrol the North sea frequently to achieve that deterrence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific assessment of defensive capacity adequacy or any quantitative data.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Russian submarine activity in the north Atlantic is at its highest level since the Cold War. Operations like Dynamic Mongoose are significant for NATO and North sea security.
In the north Atlantic, Russian submarine activity has approached the most significant level since the cold war. Operations such as Dynamic Mongoose are a welcome commitment to both NATO and North sea security. How much of the new tranche of defence spending will be directed at the North sea and Arctic security?
Of course, we do not comment on our magnificent continuous at-sea deterrence. What I can say is that it is a matter of public record that we are committed to a magnificent new generation of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, which will achieve the competitive edge that keeps us all safe.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific figures or percentages for defence spending on North sea and Arctic security.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A seismic array situated in Eskdalemuir plays a crucial role in the UK's defences. The questioner is concerned about wind farm development potentially affecting its capability.
Does the Minister recognise that the seismic array situated at Eskdalemuir in my constituency plays an important part in our defences not just in the North sea but elsewhere? Does he agree it is essential that its capability is not in any way diminished by excessive wind farm development in the immediate vicinity of the facility?
I agree with my right hon. Friend; he is absolutely right in his analysis. The broader point is that this is another example of why, undoubtedly, England and Scotland, through the Union, are safer and better together.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address the specific concern about protecting the seismic array's capability from wind farm development.
Response accuracy