UK increasing presence in the Arctic, targeting climate, economy and security
At the Arctic Circle Conference in Reykjavík, Stephen Doughty, the Minister of State of the United Kingdom for Europe and North America, discussed the growing importance of the Arctic to the United Kingdom. The country’s new Labour government has placed the region higher on its priorities list than previous governments. Despite not being a full member of the Arctic Council, the UK considers itself a “near neighbor” and developments in the region are increasingly relevant to its national and global priorities.
Speaking to Arctic Today following his speech on the main stage, the minister highlighted several key areas of interest for the UK, with climate change being a major concern. The Arctic’s rapidly changing environment, from melting ice to shifts in biodiversity, has far-reaching effects that extend beyond the region. These changes impact weather patterns, ocean currents and even pollution across Europe.
“What happens in the Arctic matters for the people of the UK, but also for our global priorities—whether that’s tackling climate change, whether that’s protecting nature, whether that’s protecting the security of all of our countries or indeed in the trade and economic space,” Doughty said.
On the economic front, the minister explained how the Arctic fits into the UK’s broader goals, particularly under the new government’s focus on energy transition and sustainability. The Arctic is rich in critical minerals and resources essential for the UK’s green energy ambitions, and the region presents opportunities for collaboration on these issues.
“We’re looking at how the new government can drive forward our missions on growth, energy transition, sustainability, and critical minerals. And of course, the Arctic is a crucial part of that story,” Doughty said.
Arctic security
Security was another focal point of the discussion. The Arctic’s strategic importance has increased in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK, as a key NATO member, is committed to the security of the Arctic the minister claimed and added that maintaining close ties with Arctic nations and bolstering its military presence in the region was cruical.
“What happens in this region and in critical points around it matters incredibly to the security of Europe and indeed the whole world,” Doughty said.
The minister also addressed concerns about China’s growing influence in the Arctic, acknowledging the need for cooperation on climate change and scientific research, while remaining cautious about the geopolitical implications. He stated that the UK would continue to engage constructively, but remain vigilant in ensuring the region’s peace, stability, and security.
The minister also underscored the importance of engaging with indigenous communities and local populations in the Arctic, noting that these voices are critical in shaping sustainable solutions to the region’s challenges. While the UK collaborates with non-Arctic actors, the focus remains on respecting the sovereignty and insights of Arctic residents.
“The Arctic is for the states and the peoples who live within it,” he stated. “The people who live in and steward and understand the land and the resources and the maritime environment have got to be at the heart of these conversations,” the minister explained.
