Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North

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 … Read more 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 additional resources as appropriate in response to new security threats, whether those come from malign actors or from climate change. The implications of this evolution will affect defence activities in Scotland in particular. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which occurred shortly before the publication of the MOD’s paper and which has significant implications for the security of the region, illustrates this point. In the next section of this report, we explore several factors which are contributing to the region’s growing importance. Show less

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 … Read more 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 become more possible in the future. Increased maritime traffic presents economic and trade opportunities but also has practical and strategic implications, such as the increased risk of accidents and the probability that navigation rights will be asserted and challenged. It is highly likely that increasing maritime activity in the High North will create new responsibilities for the Royal Navy, and Scotland’s geography means it would be likely to play a role in fulfilling those duties. Show less

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 … Read more 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 the naval base at Faslane plays a critical role in UK and NATO defence strategy, because of its location close to the strategically critical Greenland-Iceland UK (GIUK) gap and the role it plays in hosting and protecting the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. We also heard that the RAF base at Lossiemouth provides vital surveillance and threat response capabilities, including Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). Show less

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 … Read more 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 the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will be publishing a space 44 Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North sector policy before the end of the year. We plan to explore UK Government support for the space sector in greater detail in our upcoming inquiry on Scotland’s space sector. Show less

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.

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 … Read more 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 Parliament is dissolved for the next general election. Show less