Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the Arctic region; and if he will make a statement.

Henry Bellingham MP; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State: Our principal aims in the Arctic are to promote peace and good governance, and increase UK influence in the region by maintaining good bilateral and multilateral relationships with the Arctic States, for example, through supporting the work of the Arctic Council and other international and regional bodies.

The UK recognises the need to protect the Arctic environment, particularly in light of rapid regional climate change, but also recognises that the Arctic region is crucial to UK energy security and of increasing interest to British business and scientists. The Government therefore works with the Arctic States to promote and support British interests in the region, including in respect of science, energy, fisheries and potential transport routes opened up by the melting sea ice.