Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that British warships will patrol the Arctic region as part of a major security initiative. The deployment, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, will see the UK's carrier strike group operate in the North Atlantic and High North alongside the United States, Canada, and other NATO allies.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Starmer emphasised the need for Europe to bolster its defences against Russian aggression, stating that the continent must be ready to 'fight' if necessary. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
The Prime Minister declared, 'I can announce today that the UK will deploy our carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North region this year, led by the HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside the US, Canada and other NATO allies in a powerful show of our commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.'
Starmer also warned European leaders against complacency, saying, 'Russia has proved its appetite for aggression.' He added, 'We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age. We must be able to deter aggression, and, yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight.'
The announcement follows a pledge by Defence Secretary John Healey to spend £400 million on developing long-range missiles this year, including next-generation replacements for Storm Shadow missiles used by Ukraine. The moves are part of a broader effort to strengthen European security amid ongoing concerns over Russian military activity.
