Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Paragraph: 44
Consider new defence responsibilities from climate change and uphold UNCLOS principles
Conclusion
The UK Government should consider how the effects of climate change might create new defence and security responsibilities in the future, in particular for naval policing and search and rescue. The UK should also seek to promote and uphold the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) such as the right of innocent passage, and we believe that the MOD’s paper, The UK’s Defence Contribution in the High North, is right to make this a priority.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is monitoring climate change implications for the region. It clarifies that search and rescue is primarily an Arctic State responsibility, though the UK has North Atlantic duties and cooperates. It affirms its commitment to upholding UNCLOS and freedom of navigation, but does not recognise the phrase 'naval policing' in the High North.
Paragraph Reference:
44
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
HMG is monitoring the implications of warming temperatures and declining sea-ice in the region. Primarily previously hard to access areas have become exposed, creating potential for new shipping routes transporting goods between Asia and northern Europe. There are, however, specific challenges which would need to be overcome, including in relation to new technology that will be required to meet the challenges of transport via the Arctic. It is highly likely that there would be implications for insurance, environmental and labour regulation, and international agreement over territorial boundaries. While there has been no significant commercial interest at this stage, the UK will continue to advocate for the highest possible shipping standards and adherence to the Polar Code, as Arctic shipping routes become more open. The UK monitors activity in the region and recognises our responsibility to protect security and stability in the region. Whilst we do not recognise the phrase “naval policing”, we do acknowledge that we must be able to respond appropriately to the changing regional dynamic arising from the receding sea ice. As a leading European NATO Ally, the UK will defend our Arctic Allies should the need arise, and contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity that threatens our interests, the interests of our Allies, and the stability of the region. Search and rescue responsibilities will differ by region. The UK has existing responsibilities in the North Atlantic, but in the High North and into the Arctic the immediate responsibility sits with the relevant Arctic State. The Arctic States have agreed to strengthen cooperate and coordination on search and rescue in the Arctic through the 2011 ‘Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic’. Navigational rights, including freedom of navigation and rights of innocent passage and transit passage, must be safeguarded. The Government is committed to upholding and, where appropriate, asserting our rights against those who challenge the international order and freedom of navigation, or threaten the stability of the region in other ways. UNCLOS is a critical part of the international system, and the UK will continue to work with the international community to uphold it.