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Arctic and High North
13 January 2026
Lead MP
Graeme Downie
Dunfermline and Dollar
Lab
Responding Minister
Al Carns
Tags
Defence
Word Count: 4428
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Graeme Downie raised concerns about arctic and high north in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The UK must enhance its capabilities independently as well as work with European allies to defend its interests in the High North and Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, and respond effectively to any retaliation from Russia following actions against Russian vessels.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The melting ice in the Arctic is opening new shipping routes and unlocking vast reserves of oil, gas, and minerals. Russia is building up military presence in the High North with reports of new air bases in Murmansk and deployment of air defence systems. This poses a direct threat to UK security through disruption of subsea cables and energy assets in the North Sea.
Discussed multilateral treaties, NATO's role, and military exercises to enhance security in Northern Europe.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Asked how the Government is working with allies to strengthen collective security in the Arctic region.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
The MP asked how UK procurement and military doctrine might have to change in response to an increasingly liquified Arctic that is no longer in a frozen state.
West Dorset
Commended the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife on his speech, highlighting Russian-sponsored attacks in Ukraine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights that it is time for NATO members to take the Chinese and Russian threat in the Arctic seriously and enhance cold water capabilities.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Questioned whether Scotland's independence would weaken UK and European defence architecture.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Urges the UK to work with European allies to phase out dependency on Russian LNG and identifies the importance of securing the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap independently while working with allies.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asked the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife about the security of Greenland in relation to NATO.
Government Response
Al Carns
The Minister for the Armed Forces
Government Response
Responded by stressing the importance of strengthening UK armed forces to defend freedom and prosperity, stating that an independent Scotland would weaken UK and European security architecture.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.