The North Atlantic and High North, including the Arctic, are of increasing strategic importance to the UK\u2019s defence and security argue the report.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRussia is increasing its military presence in the region, climate change is reshaping the Arctic and economic activity in the area is on the rise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scotland is home to a number of UK military and naval assets and bases which currently provide Quick Reaction Alert air response from RAF Lossiemouth, deploying and defending the UK\u2019s nuclear deterrent from HMNB Clyde in Faslane, and policing the strategically important Greenland-Iceland-UK gap. During its inquiry, the Committee heard evidence from the UK Government about the importance of maintaining both these capabilities. Whilst not all Members of the Committee support this view, the report notes that the Committee recognised the serious implications for the UK and NATO should the nuclear fleet ever be removed from Faslane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a new report, Defence in Scotland: The North Atlantic and the High North<\/em>, the cross-party Committee of MPs notes the UK Government\u2019s continued recognition of Scotland\u2019s important role in meeting the UK and NATO\u2019s defence and security objectives in the region, and calls for clarity on how the UK\u2019s defence presence could be increased sufficiently if required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe North Atlantic and the High North are becoming increasingly important to the defence interests of both the UK and NATO, and Scotland\u2019s role in the defence arrangements is considered to be fundamental. During our inquiry we heard widespread agreement that the Arctic is of growing strategic importance and maintaining a well maintained and resourced military capability is essential to meet The UK\u2019s defence interests. Because of its geography Scotland is home to a number of the UK\u2019s strategic military assets and in our report we call on the UK Government to look at how the defence presence in Scotland could be scaled up if required to meet future threats if required. We are also calling for a review of the UK\u2019s cold weather capabilities.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We also looked at the opportunities and threats that may emerge because of climate change in the Arctic and the High North. Emerging trade routes and the responsibility of protecting offshore and subsea infrastructure are likely to become emerging priorities in a fast changing environment. As a Committee, we\u2019ve conducted a series of work on Defence in Scotland, and it\u2019s clear to all the considerable contribution Scotland makes to the UK and NATO\u2019s defence and security. This is a topic we will be keeping a close eye on. We wish to extend our gratitude to all those who work to defend us and keep us safe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nCommenting on the report, Pete Wishart MP, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n