“We need to prepare for scenarios in which the Arctic becomes much more contested and subject to conflict,” Lord Ashton of Hyde, chair of the committee, said in a statement. “The Arctic is a very challenging environment to operate in and requires specialised skills. It is vital that we maintain sufficient equipment and regular cold-weather training so that those skills are maintained and consolidated.”The committee characterizes the present U.K. Arctic policy as “well-calibrated,” emphasizing the ongoing unpredictability of the region. “UK scenario planning will need to consider the possibility that China could in future seek to establish a military presence in the Arctic,” the report said. “The UK Government remains committed to holding cold weather training and military exercises in the High North.

Source: CBC News December 11, 2023 22:26 UTC