Defence in the High North

Ian Roome Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dhesi]

I thank the hon. Gentleman, a fellow member of the Defence Committee. I very much enjoyed going with him on various visits to increase our knowledge and understanding of what is happening out there, and to get that perspective from our allies. He rightly highlights the significant increases in defence spending among our European allies, which is why some of us have been vocal in our advocacy for the position that the UK must not be left behind, and that we need to reach defence spending of 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament. Indeed, as Committee members will be more than aware, we made a joint statement to ensure that the Government focus their attention on that issue. I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman.

[Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)]

I thank the Chair of the Committee for his magnificent statement. As the Arctic becomes increasingly contested, with growing Russian and Chinese activity, does he believe that the UK armed forces are adequately equipped, trained and prepared to operate effectively in extreme Arctic conditions, or are there significant gaps in capability and readiness?