The UK and the Antarctic environment [revived]

The United Kingdom has a long-standing presence in Antarctica, underpinned by its historical exploration, scientific leadership, and commitment to international cooperation. Through its active role in the Antarctic Treaty System and ongoing scientific research, the UK continues to contribute to the peaceful and sustainable management of the region. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)

We welcome the former Minister’s announcement that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is developing an Antarctic Strategy to define the UK’s interests and ambitions in the region. A publicly available strategy will enhance transparency of the UK’s interests in Antarctica, and promote greater parliamentary interest and debate on Antarctic issues. (Conclusion, Paragraph 30)

We recommend that the current Government follow through on this commitment and ensure the strategy is delivered as planned. The Government should consider this report, including its conclusions and recommendations, as a valuable guide highlighting key areas the strategy should contain. (Recommendation, Paragraph 31)

We recommend that the Government more clearly articulates the rationale for the UK’s significant physical presence in Antarctica, outlining the strategic and scientific objectives behind this commitment. Transparency in funding and expenditure for Antarctic activities is also essential. The strategy should include a mechanism for regular reviews to assess whether the UK’s activities are effectively achieving its ambitions in Antarctica. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)

We commend the establishment of the Polar Regions Ministerial Group as recommended in our predecessor Committee’s report on The UK and the Arctic environment, and welcome its expansion to include Antarctic issues. Our predecessor Committee hoped that this ministerial group would address the complexities of polar issues, spanning environmental protection, scientific research, and geopolitical interests, and break down 94 silos in the Government’s approach to polar matters. We recommend that the Government continues to convene the Polar Regions Ministerial Group regularly to maintain a strategic focus on these critical regions, ensuring that emerging challenges and opportunities are addressed in a timely and co-ordinated manner. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) Governing the Antarctic environment

The Antarctic Treaty System remains a model of international cooperation and the primary forum for environmental protection in Antarctica. The UK must continue to engage constructively within this framework to support peaceful collaboration and uphold the principles of the Treaty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the consensus-based operation of the Antarctic Treaty System, complicating international cooperation. While the Antarctic Treaty System has largely insulated Antarctica from geopolitical tensions, they clearly have an effect. (Conclusion, Paragraph 71)

We recommend that the UK continues to lead global efforts to protect Antarctica by reinforcing partnerships within the Antarctic Treaty System. This includes fostering dialogue with all treaty members, including China, and ensuring that UK actions align with broader foreign policy objectives. Promoting consensus through evidence-based proposals focused on environmental protection and scientific cooperation must remain central to the UK’s approach. (Recommendation, Paragraph 72)

The UK’s expertise in polar science presents a valuable opportunity for strengthening international collaboration. We recommend expanding joint research efforts, particularly in areas such as marine conservation, land ecology, and ice sheet modelling. By contributing robust scientific data, the UK can play a pivotal role in shaping informed decisions on climate change and environmental protection within the Antarctic Treaty System. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73)

Maintaining a rigorous inspection regime is essential for upholding the Antarctic Treaty System’s environmental and scientific standards. Current concerns highlight the need for active engagement in strengthening these mechanisms so that mutual confidence is ensured. (Conclusion, Paragraph 74) 95

We recommend that the UK work with other parties in the Antarctic Treaty System to review and enhance the effectiveness of inspection processes. By taking a leading role in this effort, the UK can help ensure greater transparency and accountability, furthering the protection of Antarctica’s environment and scientific integrity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75) Climate change in Antarctica

Antarctica is warming at a rate up to twice that of the global average, disrupting its ecosystems, ocean dynamics, atmospheric processes, and ice systems. Despite its crucial role in regulating Earth’s heat balance and influencing global climate, the continent remains under-observed. The far-reaching implications of climate change in Antarctica necessitate immediate, coordinated, and sustained action at both national and international levels to mitigate these impacts and adapt to future changes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 98)

We recommend that the Government work with international partners through the Antarctic Treaty System to improve coordination of long- term climate monitoring in Antarctica, ensuring that the data outputs from such monitoring is openly shared and feeds directly into global climate assessments and decision-making processes. This is critical given the current US administration’s potential budget cuts to their science programmes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99)

The accelerated melting of Antarctic ice is becoming one of the most significant drivers of global sea level rise, which poses an increasing threat to coastal communities worldwide, including in the UK. To enhance the accuracy of sea level rise projections and develop more effective climate adaptation and risk management strategies, it is imperative for the UK to significantly expand its research efforts in Antarctica. This should include targeted studies on glaciers and ice sheets, focusing on their current and future contributions to sea level rise. The data derived from these research efforts should inform the formulation of the Government’s policies and protective measures for vulnerable UK coastal areas and provide a scientific foundation for long-term adaptation strategies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100)

The British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands are among the UK Overseas Territories most exposed to climate change. Yet regular, integrated reporting of their environmental status is lacking. We recommend that the British Antarctic Survey publish a five- yearly climate report for the British Antarctic Territory and associated South Atlantic territories, covering glaciology, oceanography, and biodiversity. This should contribute to an Antarctic-wide ‘report card’, 96 aligned with ATS processes and modelled on the successful Arctic Report Card, to support transparent tracking and international cooperation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 101)

Evidence presented during the course of this inquiry highlights the critical importance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Achieving this target is essential for preventing further destabilisation of Antarctica’s ice sheets and glaciers, which are already experiencing significant changes due to rising temperatures. Maintaining this limit is key to safeguarding the integrity of the Antarctic environment and mitigating the global consequences of rising sea levels and climate disruption. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)

These environmental changes are accelerating and have global consequences for climate stability and biodiversity. While the Antarctic Treaty System provides important protections, it cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss in isolation. Antarctica’s scientific and environmental significance must be better integrated into international climate and nature negotiations. The UK has a key role in ensuring that Antarctic issues, including the protection of its fragile biodiversity, are consistently represented in global forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity processes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)

To safeguard Antarctica’s environment, it is crucial to integrate Antarctic research and preservation into broader international climate strategies. Rising sea levels, driven by climate change in Antarctica, pose an existential risk to the UK, making it imperative to act now to protect both the Antarctic ecosystem and the UK’s coastlines. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107)

We recommend that the Government strengthen its domestic climate and nature policies to meet its legally binding targets. Achieving these targets is crucial for making a fair and proportionate contribution to global emissions reduction efforts and for lending authority to the UK’s leadership role on climate and biodiversity on the international stage. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108)

The UK must continue to take a leading role within the Antarctic Treaty System and the UN’s COP process to strengthen global efforts to mitigate climate change, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. The Government should advocate for the inclusion of Antarctic climate science in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties negotiations and push for stronger global action on carbon emissions reduction. This includes ensuring that Antarctic issues are consistently represented in these discussions, helping to drive international collaboration and strengthen efforts to mitigate climate change. Highlighting Antarctic science will further inform action, accelerate 97 progress in addressing the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, and support coordinated international efforts on emissions reduction and biodiversity protection. (Recommendation, Paragraph 109)

Geoengineering proposals which seek engineered approaches to avert or mitigate the effects of climate change in polar regions appear to us to be impractical owing to high costs, technical challenges, and environmental risks. Relying on such interventions rather than seeking to address the causes of Antarctic ice loss risks delay to the implementation of actions necessary to reduce carbon emissions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 114)

We strongly recommend that the Government firmly prioritise decarbonisation as the most effective, affordable, and sustainable response to climate change in Antarctica. Ministers should use international fora, including the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the UNFCCC COP process, to advocate for rapid emissions cuts and the protection of fragile polar environments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115)

The Government should clearly articulate its position on geoengineering in Antarctica and lead efforts to develop precautionary governance measures under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring that any future discussions on geoengineering uphold the Treaty’s core principles of environmental protection and international cooperation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116) Environmental protection and Antarctic biodiversity

The accelerating environmental changes in Antarctica, driven by climate change, sea ice loss, and increasing human activity, are having serious and compounding impacts on the continent’s biodiversity. These changes demand urgent, science led responses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 141)

We are concerned that the decline in UK based terrestrial biodiversity research capacity is significantly weakening the UK’s ability to monitor, understand, and respond to ecological changes in Antarctica. This loss of expertise risks undermining both the UK’s scientific leadership and its ability to meet its environmental responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System. (Conclusion, Paragraph 142)

To address this urgent gap, the Government should increase long-term core funding to the British Antarctic Survey to support its terrestrial biodiversity research. Investment should prioritise the recruitment, training, and retention of ecological specialists, ensuring sustained expertise in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. (Recommendation, Paragraph 143) 98

Biosecurity must continue to be a central pillar of UK Antarctic operations. The Government should ensure biosecurity facilities and protocols are in place across the BAS supply chain, including at key gateway ports such as Punta Arenas and the Falkland Islands, as well as on all UK research stations. This is essential to ensure full compliance with the Antarctic Act 1994 and to reduce the risk of non-native species introductions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 144)

The Government should safeguard the long-term future of the Blue Belt Programme by committing to sustained funding through the Official Development Assistance budget or alternative mechanisms. Particular focus should be given to supporting science, monitoring, and enforcement in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area. Given its ecological significance within the Southern Ocean, continued investment is essential to uphold the UK’s role in Antarctic marine protection and sustainable fisheries management. (Recommendation, Paragraph 145)

The UK should play a more active leadership role in promoting Antarctic biodiversity protection at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146)

This should be reflected in the UK Antarctic Strategy with particular regard to: • Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs): The Government should continue to advocate for a representative and well-connected network of ASPAs, underpinned by the latest ecological and climate science, and should support efforts to streamline and strengthen the ASPA designation process and ensure that critical and vulnerable habitats are prioritised. • Emperor Penguins: The Government should support enhanced scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary research to improve understanding and modelling of emperor penguin populations, with a focus on the impacts of climate change and sea ice loss. The Government should push for consensus to designate the species as requiring special protection under the Environmental Protocol. • The Government should lead efforts to assess and mitigate plastic pollution in the British Antarctic Territory. This includes advocating at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting for stricter waste management regulations and encouraging the use of biodegradable materials. (Recommendation, Paragraph 147) 99 Natural resources in the Antarctic

Receding sea ice levels will make Antarctica more accessible for longer periods, enabling greater exploitation of fisheries. We are concerned that certain fisheries in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean risk being overexploited, disrupting the marine food web, and damaging global ocean health. Krill depletion affects species populations across ecosystems and influences ocean circulation and the carbon cycle, which can have broader climate impacts. Stronger protections under the Antarctic Treaty are essential to safeguard this vital region and prevent wider environmental consequences. (Conclusion, Paragraph 157)

The failure of negotiations at CCAMLR in 2024 exposed significant vulnerabilities in the governance of Southern Ocean fisheries. As diminishing sea ice makes Antarctica more accessible, effective regulation, particularly of krill fishing, is becoming increasingly urgent. CCAMLR’s consensus-based decision-making has proven inadequate in moments of political tension, undermining its ability to maintain precautionary fishing limits. Without reform, the risk of future deadlock will grow, leaving key marine ecosystems exposed to overexploitation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 176)

The UK should work to prevent a recurrence of this regulatory stalemate. In recognition of the challenges of achieving unanimity, the Government should promote a pragmatic, compromise-based approach that enables interim conservation measures to be adopted while longer-term agreements are negotiated. This would help safeguard marine ecosystems while maintaining CCAMLR’s credibility. (Recommendation, Paragraph 177)

The Government must also continue to support the adoption of a precautionary krill fishery management strategy, which remains essential to protect marine ecosystems in Antarctica. Scientific evidence underpins the need for stricter spatial and temporal management, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Strengthened regulation and monitoring will be vital to protect biodiversity and ensure the fishery’s long-term sustainability. (Recommendation, Paragraph 178)

The need to establish new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has become increasingly urgent, as pressures from fishing, tourism, research activity, and climate change intensify. Proposals for MPAs in East Antarctica, the Weddell Sea, and the Antarctic Peninsula have repeatedly been blocked by China and Russia, despite strong scientific backing and widespread international support. Breaking this impasse must now be a diplomatic priority. (Conclusion, Paragraph 179) 100

The Government should intensify its diplomatic engagement, using both bilateral and multilateral channels to address the concerns of China and Russia and to highlight the global and regional benefits of marine protection. It should also strengthen coordination with like-minded CCAMLR members such as the EU, Australia, and the United States to maximise collective influence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 180)

Trust-building through collaborative science may help pave the way for consensus. The UK should champion joint scientific initiatives, particularly involving Chinese and Russian researchers, to demonstrate the ecological significance of proposed Marine Protected Areas and reduce political resistance to conservation measures. (Recommendation, Paragraph 181)

The Government should advocate procedural changes within CCAMLR, such as time-limited objections or consensus-building mechanisms, to reduce the ability of a single nation to exercise an indefinite veto over conservation measures. (Recommendation, Paragraph 182)

Antarctica’s potential reserves of commercial mineral resources, including oil, coal, and iron ore, present a risk of future conflicts and environmental harm. While the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty enforces an indefinite mining ban, recent reports of Russian seismic surveys in Antarctic waters raise concerns that prospecting activities may be taking place. If substantiated, such actions would compromise the Protocol and endanger the fragile Antarctic environment. Failure to address these concerns could set a dangerous precedent, opening the door for future exploitation, and threatening the environmental protections that the Antarctic Treaty System was designed to uphold. (Conclusion, Paragraph 190)

It is crucial that the international community acts decisively to ensure that any attempts to bypass or erode the Protocol’s safeguards are promptly thwarted. We recommend that the UK and other Antarctic Treaty parties maintain robust oversight and collaboration to ensure strict adherence to the Protocol. Continuous monitoring and transparent reporting will be essential to prevent any unauthorised activities that could breach the mining ban or degrade Antarctica’s ecosystems. (Recommendation, Paragraph 191)

The Government should actively engage with allies during Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings to press Russia to reaffirm its commitment to the Protocol’s mining prohibition. Additionally, Russia should be encouraged to provide comprehensive data on its seismic surveys in accordance with the Treaty’s open science principles. (Recommendation, Paragraph 192) 101

Furthermore, we recommend that the Government articulate clear measures in its forthcoming Antarctic strategy to reinforce the UK’s role in safeguarding the Treaty’s provisions. This should include enhanced diplomatic engagement, strengthened environmental monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with international partners to uphold the integrity of the mining ban. (Recommendation, Paragraph 193) Tourism in Antarctica

The UK’s efforts in steering a framework for sustainable management of tourism in Antarctica are commendable and helpful in ensuring the long- term viability of tourism activities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 210)

The UK should strengthen its leadership role in promoting a coordinated, treaty-wide framework for sustainable tourism management in Antarctica. Drawing on its well-regarded permitting regime and experience in environmental oversight, the UK is well positioned to champion more rigorous environmental impact assessments and advocate for consistent, high standards across all Treaty Parties. (Recommendation, Paragraph 211)

The Government should actively foster international collaboration and stakeholder engagement by building consensus among Treaty Parties. As a trusted and experienced actor, the UK could play a pivotal role in Antarctic Treaty forums, facilitating dialogue to align visitor management practices and environmental safeguards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 212)

The UK should lead by example through continued refinement of its own permitting processes, ensuring thorough environmental scrutiny, transparent reporting, and dynamic site management approaches. It should also support the development of a strategic framework for assessing site capacity and limiting visitor numbers at sensitive landing sites. (Recommendation, Paragraph 213)

Tourism in Antarctica can have positive outcomes, including enhancing public understanding of environmental and scientific issues and fostering a community of informed ambassadors for polar conservation. However, these benefits depend on effective governance. To minimise environmental risks and support small-scale scientific operations, visitor numbers and activities must be carefully regulated. (Conclusion, Paragraph 221)

The tourism sector has historically relied on self-regulation through bodies such as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. While this has helped establish high operational standards, increasing tourist numbers and the emergence of non-member operators now challenge the effectiveness of this model. A more robust, proactive regulatory approach is required to safeguard environmental integrity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 222) 102

To protect Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems and ensure tourism supports environmental and scientific priorities, a consistent, science-led approach to managing visitor access is essential. The UK Government should advocate for a clear and enforceable regime that ensures each visit contributes meaningfully to conservation and education. (Recommendation, Paragraph 223)

A comprehensive and coherent framework for managing the environmental impacts of tourism is overdue. We welcome the decision by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting to develop such a framework by 2028. The Government should actively advocate within the ATCM for a treaty-wide system that includes limits on landings, visitor numbers, and access to sensitive sites, under the guidance of the Committee for Environmental Protection. (Recommendation, Paragraph 224)

Long-term, systematic monitoring of visitor activities is vital to assess the cumulative impact of tourism. The UK should promote the establishment of a coordinated monitoring programme across the Antarctic Treaty System. Data gathered should underpin adaptive management strategies, including the possibility of introducing caps on tourist numbers or restricting access to particularly vulnerable areas. (Recommendation, Paragraph 225)

The UK should encourage all Parties to the Antarctic Treaty System to ratify unimplemented measures critical to tourism regulation, including Measure 4 (2004) on insurance and contingency planning, and Measure 15 (2009) on landings. Their adoption would significantly strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure greater consistency across operators. (Recommendation, Paragraph 226)

The Government should advocate for the harmonisation of permitting processes among treaty parties, preventing operators from circumventing national restrictions by seeking approval from multiple authorities would enhance regulatory coherence and close potential loopholes in environmental oversight. (Recommendation, Paragraph 227)

Stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to address non- compliance. The UK should advocate for enforceable sanctions within the Antarctic Treaty System framework to deter breaches of permit conditions and ensure that tourism is conducted responsibly and in line with international standards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 228) UK scientific research in Antarctica

A full understanding of Antarctica is critical to the development of climate change knowledge, as conditions below the 60th parallel influence global weather patterns, ocean circulation, and sea-level rise. The UK, a leader in 103 Antarctic science, contributes around 15% of global research on the region and ranks third worldwide in scientific output. This expertise supports the UK’s ambition to be a “science superpower”, as articulated in the 2021 Integrated Review. Maintaining UK leadership in polar science is essential for addressing climate challenges and enhancing the UK’s global scientific presence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 234)

Continued investment and international collaboration will be essential for maintaining the UK’s leading role in Antarctic research. By addressing infrastructure challenges and leveraging its scientific expertise, the UK can further its contributions to understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change and environmental change in Antarctica. (Conclusion, Paragraph 246)

We commend Government investment in polar infrastructure, which strengthens UK research capabilities. We nevertheless note that the capital expenditure has yet to translate into measurable scientific outcomes. Given the unparalleled logistical gateway and facilities provided by the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Project, the Government should outline, in its forthcoming Antarctic Strategy, how these opportunities can be maximised to advance an understanding of Antarctica’s response to a changing climate. This will ensure the UK is well-prepared to address the likely consequences, including sea level rise and climatic shifts. (Recommendation, Paragraph 247)

To quantify the value for money and scientific impact of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Project, we recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council establish long-term monitoring to assess the effects of infrastructure upgrades. This should focus on key metrics, such as research output and citations of Antarctic fieldwork, to gauge the long-term benefits these improvements bring to UK Antarctic science. We recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council publish a comprehensive report on the outcomes of these upgrades, with the aim of releasing it by

The UK must be properly equipped to address the major research priorities in the polar regions. Antarctic research plays a critical role in advancing global understanding of climate change, ocean systems, and polar ecosystems, issues that affect lives and economies far beyond the region. Despite the UK’s world-leading capabilities, the Committee heard clear and consistent evidence that insufficient and uncertain funding is the chief limiting factor to delivering impactful science. Without increased investment, the UK risks undermining its ability to contribute to global environmental monitoring and decision-making at a time when such leadership is urgently needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 260) 104

We recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council and UK Research and Innovation establish dedicated funding mechanisms to support transformative Antarctic research, with substantial time commitments extending to at least ten years for large-scale projects. The current reliance on short-term funding cycles (typically three to five years) is ill-suited to the logistical realities of Antarctic research and contributes to inefficiencies. Longer funding horizons would not only improve the delivery of complex science programmes but would also make better use of infrastructure and personnel, reducing waste and increasing impact. (Recommendation, Paragraph 261)

We note that the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in common with other UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) research institutes, currently receives only 80% of its grant costs, compared to universities which receive full funding based on the Full Economic Cost model, covering 100% of their costs. This funding gap hinders BAS’s and other research institutes’ ability to fully support their research activities. We recommend the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and UKRI increase the overall funding envelope to cover this additional 20%, without reducing support for non BAS researchers. This would correct a long-standing structural inequity and ensure that the UK’s core Antarctic research institution remains fully resourced to support national and international scientific priorities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 262)

As infrastructure projects near completion, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) should implement a long-term strategy to maximise fieldwork opportunities, ensuring fair and efficient access for researchers. This should include improved scheduling, better logistical coordination, and contingency plans to prevent future disruptions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 269)

Recognising the evolving landscape of Antarctic science and the growing significance of advanced technologies, we recommend that the Government prioritise enhancing scientists’ access to cutting-edge tools such as autonomous vehicles, sensors, and robotic data collection systems. The expanded use of these technologies will facilitate more efficient and comprehensive data collection in remote regions, thereby supporting more robust and timely scientific research in Antarctica. The Natural Environment Research Council should increase investment in remote sensing platforms and autonomous systems to broaden research capabilities, with a particular focus on climate change and ecosystem monitoring. (Recommendation, Paragraph 270)

The UK Government should secure long-term access to high-quality satellite data by maintaining participation in European programmes beyond 2027 and expanding data-sharing agreements. Additionally, funding mechanisms 105 should be established to support researchers in accessing commercial satellite imagery, ensuring equitable use of remote sensing technology in Antarctic research. (Recommendation, Paragraph 271)

Given the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and delays due to the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, many early career researchers missed vital fieldwork opportunities, which has hindered their development and leadership potential in Antarctic research. To support both the growth of early career researchers and attract new talent into the field, we recommend targeted investments in training and career development. This should include additional fieldwork opportunities, mentorship, and grants for early career researchers, as well as efforts to attract talented scientists, particularly in data science and engineering, who may not traditionally consider polar research. By doing so, we can ensure the continued success and leadership of UK Antarctic science in the 2030s and beyond. (Recommendation, Paragraph 272)

The UK’s strength in polar science reflects its ability to lead and influence at both national and international levels. Through collaborative research and reciprocal partnerships, the UK has advanced global scientific understanding while reinforcing its reputation for excellence in innovation and logistics. (Conclusion, Paragraph 281)

Given the demonstrated success of bilateral funding agreements, such as those between UKRI-NERC and partners in the US, Brazil, Luxembourg, and Norway, we recommend that the Government work with the Natural Environment Research Council to expand these reciprocal arrangements. In particular, new partnerships should be developed with key polar research nations including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and South Korea. These countries offer complementary expertise, operational capabilities, and scientific priorities that align with the UK’s research interests in Antarctica. Broader collaboration will strengthen the UK’s leadership in polar science and maximise the impact of its scientific contributions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 282

We further recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council strengthen its successful support for multilateral research initiatives by developing mechanisms to coordinate international funding more effectively. This includes reducing the burden of “double jeopardy” where researchers must apply for and secure multiple streams of funding from different national agencies—often facing incompatible timelines or processes. More integrated funding approaches, including shared peer review and harmonised grant rounds, would support high-impact collaborative science and ensure that promising international projects are not lost due to administrative barriers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 283) 106

We recognise the importance of the Antarctica InSync programme, where 26 nations will collaborate during the 2028–29 Antarctic season to conduct synchronous climate measurements across land, sea, air, and space, with results presented during the International Polar Year in 2032–33. To ensure full UK participation and leadership in Antarctica InSync, we recommend that the Government and the Natural Environment Research Council establish long-term funding mechanisms for the project that extend beyond annual or short-term spending reviews. Stable, multi-year funding will allow UK researchers to contribute effectively to planning, fieldwork, and data analysis, and will help maintain the UK’s global standing in Antarctic science during this landmark international initiative. (Recommendation, Paragraph 284)

The RRS Sir David Attenborough is an exceptional research vessel, offering world-class facilities that are crucial for advancing polar marine science. Its capabilities significantly enhance the UK’s ability to conduct cutting-edge research in both the Arctic and Antarctic, positioning it as a key asset in marine science. (Conclusion, Paragraph 293)

We have heard strong concerns from the Antarctic research community about the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) shift to a “one ship plus” model and the reduction of the research fleet from two vessels to one. This has already led to substantial delays to Antarctic marine research projects, and we are concerned about the longer-term implications for UK polar science. While we recognise that the RRS Sir David Attenborough may at times undertake logistical tasks, particularly when aligned with research voyages, we do not consider its routine use as a supply vessel to be the most effective deployment of such a highly advanced scientific platform. Within NERC’s “one vessel plus” model, many vessels can support cargo transport in Antarctica, but very few offer the specialist research capabilities of the RRS Sir David Attenborough. We therefore consider it more scientifically effective to charter logistics vessels where possible, and to prioritise the use of the RRS Sir David Attenborough for dedicated research. (Recommendation, Paragraph 294)

By 2030, the Natural Environment Research Council should conduct a comprehensive review of the “single vessel plus” policy, evaluating its impact on Antarctic and Arctic marine science, particularly regarding the delays to approved research projects. The review should focus on optimising the use of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, assessing the need for additional vessels, and addressing scheduling conflicts that impede research. Additionally, it should consider the costs and logistics of chartering additional ships since the introduction of the policy and offer recommendations to improve scheduling efficiency, resource allocation, and overall productivity in Antarctic and Arctic missions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 295) 107

HMS Protector should be utilised more effectively to support the logistical needs of Antarctic research bases, similar to the role of US military and Coast Guard support for US stations. This could allow the RRS Sir David Attenborough to focus on scientific research, improving the overall productivity of Antarctic missions. The Ministry of Defence should collaborate with the British Antarctic Survey to enhance planning and coordination, ensuring HMS Protector consistently supports logistics and research programmes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 299)

Additionally, HMS Protector’s role in logistics should be expanded, by upgrading her sensor systems with potential for collecting valuable data such as sea ice observations and oceanographic data. The Ministry of Defence should consult experts on expanding its onboard sensor capabilities and consider equipping Protector with a helicopter to increase the UK’s response capacity in the region and enhance research capabilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 300) 108