UK Strategy Towards the Arctic (International Relations and Defence Committee Report)

Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie Excerpts

Thursday 9th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie (Con)]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend Lord Ashton of Hyde for his excellent introduction and chairmanship of the International Relations and Defence Committee. Unfortunately, I was not a member of the committee for this important inquiry as I joined just after it had been completed, but I welcome it and hope that the report’s findings will be taken note of.

Many noble Lords have already noted, as the report does, that parts of Scotland are closer to the Arctic Circle than to London. I hope to be on my way to the frozen north in Scotland, if your Lordships keep to time, on the last flight. I am keeping my hopes high. The High North is witnessing a change in its security environment for political, economic and environmental reasons, and thus represents a key area of interest for the UK. Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“The UK is the closest neighbour to the Arctic states. In addition to preserving UK interests we have a responsibility to support our Arctic allies … to preserve the security and stability of the region”.


Without territorial possessions in the region, the UK’s support will always be primarily focused on the naval aspect of the Arctic, as it is inherently a maritime domain. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Willetts, for his work on securing the Arctic Star. My uncle was killed in the Arctic convoys, and it was one of the great pleasures of his younger brother, my father, to receive the Arctic Star medal—so I thank him for highlighting that.

It is inherently an incredibly hard and difficult maritime domain. Our Royal Navy has led multinational task groups of warships and aircraft into the High North to demonstrate freedom of navigation above the Arctic Circle, to further develop joint working and to assert our joint commitment to upholding peace in the region. But this report highlights long-standing concerns as to whether there are sufficient resources to meet aspirations for a meaningful security presence in the High North. I am sure the Minister will point to the essential role of our Astute class submarines and to Camp Viking, which has been mentioned, but the Royal Navy has only one ice-capable patrol ship.

Whether military or commercial, maritime activity in the Arctic is growing significantly, increasing the risk of accidents, conflicts and pollution. Logistics are a frequently neglected aspect of strategic operational activity—but are not being neglected by China and Russia, as my noble friend Lady Helic has just highlighted. Logistics have to be prioritised in the Arctic. Whether dealing with extreme cold weather or terrain, the environmental effects on personnel, equipment and supplies force new solutions to be found to extend operational reach and enable freedom of action. Cold weather injuries, resupply operations, equipment capability shortfalls and maintenance must all be taken into account when planning logistics operations in the Arctic. Our US allies have realised this and are actively training and working on solutions.

In 2022, RFA “Tidesurge” joined NATO’s Exercise Cold Response, providing important logistical and refuelling support, highlighting the vital role of support ships and their well-trained crew in the region. Yet decreasing ship numbers in the Royal Navy have meant that the RFA fleet has been filling in capability gaps, even though the RFA itself has seen a drastic reduction in ship numbers—around 50% since 2003.

The RFA is losing crews, either to the Merchant Navy or to those leaving seafaring professions altogether. In addition, the number of recruits is down as many opt for other careers or shipping lines. Deployments have become longer, with the number of ships laid up due to a lack of crews also increasing.

The RFA is in crisis. Its vital role in logistics and supply is in danger of being forgotten by both the public and our politicians. Ongoing industrial action has already affected operational capability, and I was relieved to see that the RFA voted only yesterday to end its current pay dispute. However, the fleet remains at a low ebb. While the current settlement may be enough to stop those currently serving leaving prematurely, it may not be enough to persuade significant numbers to choose to join the RFA instead of taking commercial jobs. Recruitment is difficult, as there is a global shortage of mariners and young people wanting to start careers at sea. In a Written Answer to me in November, the noble Lord, Lord Coaker, referred to the Royal Navy’s RFA35 programme to determine the long-term future of the RFA, defining its purpose, size, function and optimal crewing model to meet future requirements. I have yet to find any further information on the progress of the RFA35. Can the Minister update the House?

I urge the Government to ensure that the essential and increasing role played by the RFA in national defence, not only in the Arctic but across the world’s seas, is recognised and supported. The UK cannot claim to be a leading maritime nation and capitalise on the opportunity to play an influential convening and leadership role in the Arctic, particularly in Arctic security, as this report recommends, without strong logistical support. As this excellent report outlines, developments in the Arctic are of critical importance to the UK’s security, environment and energy, but without a functioning RFA, large-scale operations will simply struggle to maintain momentum over extended periods.