Britain and its allies must bolster defences in the Arctic to counter growing Russian threats, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said. On a visit to Finland and Norway, she will call for enhanced security against hostile states as Russia and China seek to expand their influence in the region.
Tensions have risen over control of the High North after US President Donald Trump's threats to take Greenland. Warming seas have opened new shipping routes and exposed valuable resources, triggering a power struggle. Russia has militarised the area and used it as a corridor for its shadow fleet to transport oil and gas, evading sanctions.
Last week, the UK supported the US coastguard in seizing the Bella 1 tanker off the British coast. Cooper said: 'Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and infrastructure.'
She added that Arctic security is a critical transatlantic issue for Nato. Cooper will meet Finnish border guards defending Nato's eastern flank before travelling to Norway to visit Royal Marines at Camp Viking, the year-round hub for UK Commando Force cold weather training.
