Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Arctic Council

Tuesday 2 May 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are actively engaging with Arctic partners on the future operation of the Arctic Council.
  • The UK will continue to contribute expertise and research to the Arctic Council's working groups under Norway's incoming chairmanship.
  • The UK supports UK-based Arctic researchers studying climate change and other key issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Dunne Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum to address issues faced by the Arctic governments and people, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with international counterparts regarding the operation of the Arctic Council?

Answer from David Rutley

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials continue to engage actively with our Arctic partners on the future operation of the Arctic Council. We look forward to working with the incoming Norwegian chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 11 May.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner sought details about specific discussions and outcomes, but the answer only stated ongoing engagement without specifics.

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Q2 Philip Dunne Con
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The two-year Russian presidency of the Arctic Council is ending, and Norway will take over. A sub-committee of the Environmental Audit Committee visited Svalbard to witness climate change research.

Question

With Russia's presidency ending this month and Norway taking over, what role can the UK play in supporting vital climate change research in the Arctic? The committee visited Svalbard before Easter and observed firsthand the importance of such research.

Answer from David Rutley

We very much welcome the work of the sub-committee. The UK will continue to contribute expertise and research to the Arctic Council's working groups under the incoming Norwegian chairmanship, including on climate change. We also continue to support UK-based Arctic researchers studying these key issues through funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, including partners in Canada, Greenland and elsewhere in the region.

Answered
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