Westminster committee to investigate Scotland’s role in Arctic defence

The Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster is set to investigate Scotland’s role in defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The panel will hold a mini-inquiry into the subject, with the aim of identifying what more the UK Government can do to bolster defence capabilities based in Scotland that would impact on the region.

Committee chairman Pete Wishart said: “From the Navy to the RAF, Scotland is the heart of the UK’s military capabilities.

“As the world is exposed to increased geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the security of the North Atlantic and the surrounding countries has never been so important in modern times.

“The UK Government’s Arctic Strategy, published earlier this year, recognises this and outlines how the UK is operating in new ways to adapt to any threats.

“Our committee will be examining the role that Scottish-based defence capabilities will play in this changing landscape, and how the Arctic Strategy is being delivered in Scotland.”

The committee has issued a call for written submissions, setting a deadline of January 19.

Submissions should touch on security priorities in the region, the role Scotland can play in meeting those priorities, the Ministry of Defence’s Arctic Strategy and its delivery in Scotland.