A group of British lawmakers has expressed concern over the UK's vulnerability to Russian attacks in the Arctic, citing gaps in maritime forces and critical infrastructure.
What happened
A parliamentary report published on Thursday highlighted the need for the British government to urgently address these gaps, particularly in the face of increased Russian activity in the region.
The report noted that the UK's lack of certain military capabilities, such as ballistic missile defense and long-range strike assets, makes it reliant on the US for support.
Lawmakers warned that Russia could use the Arctic environment to its advantage, concealing and protecting its submarines while threatening NATO sea lanes, UK critical infrastructure, and the UK's nuclear deterrent.
The report urged the UK to work with European NATO allies to develop a plan to deter and defeat potential aggression in the region by 2030.
Former British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative shadow minister Stuart Anderson also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for the UK to be prepared for potential conflict and to invest in its defense capabilities.
