Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Paragraph: 24
Assess Joint Expeditionary Force adaptation needs for climate change developments in the Arctic.
Conclusion
The increasing exploitation of the Arctic for international trade and exploration for critical minerals gives greater importance to the role of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) as a security alliance in the ‘High North’. The Ministry of Defence should assess how the JEF might need to be adapted in the face of climate-change induced developments in the Arctic and beyond.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the UK is committed to working with allies in the 'High North' and that the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is already responding to and actively monitoring climate change impacts and security dynamics in the region.
Paragraph Reference:
24
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
. The UK is committed to working with Allies and Partners in the ‘High North’ to ensure that increasing access – through increased ice melt – to the region and its resources is managed safely and sustainably.1 This commitment recognises the importance of the ‘High North’ to the UK’s environment, prosperity, energy and security. As the HCDC notes, the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a key security forum through which the UK and Participating Nations can ensure their continued ability to operate and provide security and assurance in the ‘High North’ and the Arctic. The JEF is already responding to the impacts of climate change and is actively monitoring and analysing the changing security dynamics it causes. Additionally, through collaboration and information sharing with other international security forums (such as NATO and the Nordic Defence Cooperation organisation) the JEF is designed to take into account overlapping security concerns and responsibilities in the High North and Arctic.