Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

High North: Defence Resources

Monday 2 February 2026 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government values the role of Shetland and Scotland in reinforcing UK security
  • Russian activity is monitored and potentially threatens critical undersea infrastructure
  • Government works with JEF allies to address threats to undersea cables and communications

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Defence
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The reassessment of Shetland's strategic importance due to recent developments in the High North and space prioritization.

How: Did Not Directly Address The Request For A Reassessment

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Q2 Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent Russian activities in the High North have raised concerns about threats to critical subsea infrastructure.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Providing a direct assurance on the integrity of undersea cables connecting various islands.

How: Acknowledged Concerns But Did Not Provide Specific Assurances

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