Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 1576
Published 21 July 2023
Recommendations
5
Accepted
Para 42
Set out most recent assessment of evolving UK defence and security priorities in North Atlantic
Recommendation
The UK Government should continue to be proactive in considering how the UK’s defence and security priorities in the North Atlantic and the High North may change in the future, in response to the changing geopolitical context and the effects …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that its 10-year strategy commits to improving understanding of the region and regularly reviewing defence and security priorities. It outlines its current assessment of challenges, including Russian belligerence, resource competition, and subsea infrastructure vulnerability, reiterating points from the 2021 and 2023 Integrated Reviews.
Scotland Office
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10
Accepted
Para 47
Set out timeline for Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ships and confirm Scottish build
Recommendation
The UK Government should set out the timeline for the refitted Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship, RFA Proteus, and the future purpose-built Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship to come into service. It should state whether it is still the intention, as set …
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Government Response Summary
The government committed RFA PROTEUS to reach Initial Operating Capability by mid-2024 and Full Operating Capability by the end of 2024. For the future Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship-2, the program is in the pre-concept phase with no decisions yet made regarding its capability or build location.
Scotland Office
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12
Accepted
Para 55
Convene discussions with NATO and JEF allies on North Atlantic challenges and expanded role
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government convene discussions with its NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies about how these alliances should respond to new challenges in the North Atlantic and the High North, and be prepared to take an expanded …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it routinely convenes discussions with NATO and JEF allies at all levels, with High North and North Atlantic security being a priority for these engagements. It commits to continue monitoring developments and engaging partners to assess new challenges and prepare for any necessary expanded role.
Scotland Office
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20
Accepted
Para 89
Set out scope for scaling up Scottish defence presence to meet North Atlantic obligations.
Recommendation
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what scope it considers for the defence presence in Scotland to be sufficiently scaled up to respond to a scenario where the UK has greater obligations in the …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that UK Armed Forces would respond to increased obligations, with the RAF able to rapidly increase assets by revising operational plans for agility. The Army would bolster RAF resilience and could rapidly increase capacity at its Scottish bases for basing assets, including temporary accommodation, and conduct further joint exercises.
Scotland Office
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Conclusions (24)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 15
The UK Government is clear that Scotland’s geography, and the capabilities located there, is critical to meeting the UK and NATO’s defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomed the report, agreeing that Scotland's geography and defence assets are critical to UK and NATO objectives, and reiterated its existing commitment to using these capabilities as part of a UK-wide defence strategy.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 21
The UK Government’s policy document, The UK’s Defence Contribution in the High North, adopts appropriate strategic priorities for the region. At the same time, the geopolitics of the North Atlantic and the High North are evolving and the UK will need to be prepared to adapt its approach and commit …
Government Response Summary
The government recognized the need to adapt its approach to new security threats in the High North and committed to improving its understanding of the region and its evolving geopolitics, affirming a UK-wide strategy for any changes.
3
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 22
The Ministry of Defence should commit to updating its Arctic defence strategy every five years, to reflect the strategic acceleration in the region and to bring it into line with the FCDO’s Arctic Strategy for the whole of Government, which is updated every five years. We hope that, before then, …
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to update its Arctic defence strategy every five years, stating its 2022 strategy is designed for 10 years and that reviews are conducted regularly, but not on a fixed five-year cycle. It noted the Defence Command Paper had already been published.
4
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 41
The UK and NATO face new challenges in the North Atlantic in the High North. In particular, the Arctic faces new environmental and political challenges which must be navigated carefully if the region is to remain one of high co-operation and low tension.
Government Response Summary
The government states that its 10-year strategy already commits to improving understanding of the region, monitoring challenges, and regularly reviewing priorities, reiterating existing Integrated Review analysis. It also describes ongoing monitoring of subsea infrastructure vulnerability.
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 43
Climate change is likely to lead to the opening of new sea routes due to the retreat of Arctic ice. While the overriding priority should be to minimise the effects of climate change, the UK Government must also be prepared for the likelihood that navigation via these routes will gradually …
Government Response Summary
The government response is truncated and contains no substantive content regarding the recommendation.
7
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 44
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 …
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.
8
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 45
Events like the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline have shown that Critical National Infrastructure that is based offshore or beneath the sea can be vulnerable to interference. This is a concern in the North Atlantic, where transatlantic cables are critical lines of communication, as well as in the UK’s …
Government Response Summary
The Ministry of Defence states it cannot comment on the repair of transatlantic cables and indicates that wider government efforts, coordinated by the Cabinet Office, involve several departments to assure UK interests, but provides no further detail on repair plans.
9
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 46
The UK Government should produce and publish a strategy for protecting offshore infrastructure. This should include a plan for how attempts by malign actors to interfere with Critical National Infrastructure can be deterred or prevented, and how damaged infrastructure can be repaired quickly by their commercial owners.
Government Response Summary
The government states that protecting subsea infrastructure is already a core part of its National Strategy for Maritime Security. It describes ongoing efforts, including inter-departmental cooperation, monitoring, naval patrols, and working with allies to deter threats and ensure resilience, stating that any deliberate attack would be met with a united response.
11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 54
The UK’s role and responsibilities in NATO may evolve in response to changing geopolitics, including increasing tensions with Russia and the consequent accession of Finland and (as seems likely) Sweden to the alliance. This may entail new or changed responsibilities in the North Atlantic and the High North. The same …
Government Response Summary
The government states it will continue to monitor developments and regularly engage with NATO, JEF, and the Northern Group, acknowledging that its role and responsibilities may evolve. It agrees with the importance of NATO in the High North and actively participates in JEF discussions on regional security.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 59
The UK’s relationships with its Arctic allies are essential to meeting common security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. These relationships will become more important should the challenges in the region become more prominent.
Government Response Summary
The government states its High North Strategy commits to working with regional allies through various forums and regularly attends Arctic meetings. While rejecting the appointment of a political Arctic Ambassador, it is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at ambassadorial rank to strengthen engagement with partners in the region.
14
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 60
The UK should continue considering how it can best contribute to diplomacy and collaborative problem-solving in the North Atlantic and the High North. Actions it could take include stepping up its participation in existing fora where appropriate and considering the appointment of a dedicated ambassador or envoy to the Arctic …
Government Response Summary
The government will continue to send delegations to Arctic forums and is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at ambassadorial rank to strengthen engagement. It does not believe appointing a political Arctic Ambassador is the right approach for the UK.
15
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 62
Cooperation around the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which has enabled Norwegian aircraft to be maintained at RAF Lossiemouth, and RAF aircraft to be supported in Norway, has been a success, and provides a model for similar defence cooperation in the future.
Government Response Summary
The government details existing and expanding defence cooperation in the High North, including cold weather training, P8 deployments, and the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), aligning with the successful P-8A cooperation model.
16
Conclusion
Accepted
Alongside its efforts to develop defence and security cooperation in the North Atlantic and the High North through multilateral institutions, the UK Government should pursue further opportunities for direct bilateral cooperation with Arctic allies, including new NATO members Finland and Sweden. (Paragraph 63) Scotland’s contribution to defence in the North …
Government Response Summary
The government is expanding cold weather training and defence cooperation with Arctic partners, including Finland and Sweden, and is committed to bilateral collaboration, citing a strong track record of joint exercises and aligned activities.
17
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 86
Scotland’s geography means it will continue to play an important role in meeting UK and NATO defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. This means that, should the situation in the region change, Scotland could become home to a larger defence presence. We heard that …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges Scotland's critical role in UK defence and states it regularly reviews its defence posture across the UK in response to regional changes, without committing to a specific increase in presence.
18
Conclusion
Accepted
The UK’s ability to project assets into the North Atlantic and High North if required must be maintained, as this is key to both the UK and NATO’s defence strategy. Currently this capability is based primarily at HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth. NATO views the continued presence of a nuclear …
Government Response Summary
The government is committed to maintaining its ability to project assets, investing in new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates, spending over £3 billion on Scottish defence sites including £1.6 billion on HMNB Clyde, and £470 million on RAF Lossiemouth infrastructure.
19
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 88
The committee heard evidence during this inquiry of the need to maintain HM Naval Base Clyde as home to the Royal Navy’s nuclear-armed Vanguard 15 class submarines that form the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent, as well as the Astute Class of attack submarines. Whilst not all Members of the Committee …
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition of HM Naval Base Clyde's strategic importance, confirming it will remain the single operational home for Vanguard and Astute Class submarines, and that investment in it as the UK’s Submarine Centre of Specialisation continues.
21
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 90
RAF assets based in Scotland contribute to defence in the North Atlantic and the High North in a number of important ways, including surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and threat response by way of the Quick Reaction Alert jets stationed at RAF Lossiemouth. Several witnesses expressed doubts as to whether the UK …
Government Response Summary
The government asserts that its force structure is regularly tested and that capability is not solely measured by aircraft numbers, but by the totality of platforms, systems, and coalition operations. It highlights the 2021 Defence Command Paper and the P-8 fleet, stating it remains confident it has the right force mix, supported by NATO allies.
22
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 91
In its response to this report, the UK Government should address the concerns raised in evidence both to this inquiry and to the Defence Committee over whether the number of P-8A, E7 and Typhoon aircraft is sufficient to provide the coverage required in the North Atlantic and the High North, …
Government Response Summary
The government addresses concerns by stating that its force structure is regularly tested and capability is assessed by the totality of platforms and systems, including NATO cooperation, not just aircraft numbers. It refers to the 2021 Defence Command Paper and existing P-8 procurement decisions, maintaining confidence in the current force mix while keeping capabilities under review.
23
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 97
The UK needs a clear sense of what kind of specialised cold weather capability it will need to meet its objectives in the High North. We heard that the UK currently has limited capability for operating in extremely cold environments. Where there are gaps, and these cannot be filled by …
Government Response Summary
The government has committed to developing sustainable cold weather capability, will examine options to bolster its cold weather equipment and infrastructure, and plans to conduct regular cold weather training with partners. Its refreshed Cold Weather Warfare doctrine will be tested in Q1 2024 and ratified in Q2 2024.
24
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 98
The UK Government must review, and report to the House, the extent to which, now and in the future, what capability is needed to operate in extremely cold environments at the scale required to meet evolving defence and security objectives in the High North. The review should consider what equipment …
Government Response Summary
The government states it is already developing, testing, and analysing cold weather capabilities through existing programmes and exercises. Its Cold Weather Warfare doctrine has been refreshed and will be tested in Q1 2024 and ratified in Q2 2024.
25
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 108
We heard that space-based capabilities provide numerous advantages for surveillance at high latitudes. Scotland, with its burgeoning space sector and a northerly location that is suitable for launch into polar orbits, is well-placed to take advantage of this opportunity. We were encouraged to hear that the Ministry of Defence and …
Government Response Summary
The government response is a header and contains no substantive information.
26
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 109
We heard that drones can provide an advantage in cold weather environments, but that not all drones were suited to operating in the extreme cold and that specialised systems might be needed to operate in the High North.
Government Response Summary
The government states a Defence Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Strategy is in the final stages of approval, which will ensure UK UxSs are developed to meet challenges across all operating environments, including extreme cold.
27
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 110
As part of the review into cold-weather capability recommended above, the UK Government should consider what contribution a) drones and b) space technology should make to meeting defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. Its conclusions should be published as part of that report, before …
Government Response Summary
The government details its National Space Strategy, £50 million funding for UK space markets including Scottish launches, and the upcoming Defence Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Strategy which aims to ensure UxS meet challenges in all operating environments.
28
Conclusion
Accepted
When developing and deploying new space-based technologies in support of defence objectives in the High North, the UK Government should make the most of Scotland’s innovative and rapidly growing space sector, and its geographical advantages as a base for launching satellites into polar orbits. The Ministry of Defence and Department …
Government Response Summary
The government details its National Space Strategy, DSIT's work with Scottish stakeholders, and £50 million funding (including £31.5 million for vertical launch from Scotland) to develop the UK space sector and harness Scotland's potential.