Oral Answers to Questions

Jessica Toale Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) (Lab)]

Yesterday I visited the National Oceanography Centre, with the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman), to learn about the UK’s leadership in polar science, and the real highlight was that I got to meet Boaty McBoatface. Will the Minister tell us a bit more about how the FCDO is co-ordinating cross-Government work to deal with emerging climate and security threats, as well as how we can leverage the UK’s leadership in science and technology, climate finance, diplomacy and defence to that end?

[Uma Kumaran]

I regret that I was unable to join my hon. Friend on the trip yesterday to see all of our capabilities. She is absolutely right that our climate and research work in the polar regions is vital. We are working across Government and we have updated the UK’s Arctic policy framework on a number of these matters. That framework sets out our assessment of the key developments in the region, and recognises the Arctic as an area of strategic importance that is vital for UK national security and domestic resilience. It also ensures that we are playing our part in the climate resilience of the region, making sure that our world-leading scientists are there and have the support they need to ensure we play our part in the world.