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
Conclusions (6)
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.
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.
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.
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.