UK’s Arctic Policy 2024: A 12-Month Outlook

In November 2023, the UK published their new strategy for the Arctic. The UK government highlights four key areas of national interest: collaboration, climate change, security, and economic development. Although not an Arctic state, the UK’s geography has pushed policymakers to think about the high north. Russian vessels regularly traverse through the Arctic and North Sea, and the UK  has access to strategic locations such as the Greenland, Iceland, and UK (GIUK) Gap. UK security, environmental, and economic policy will be consequential for politics in the Arctic in the coming year. 

Key Judgement 1. The Arctic is likely to become an important region for British space programs over the next 12 months regarding defence and climate change development. 

Key Judgement 2. The UK will very likely further its Arctic capabilities in the GIUK Gap. Along with their JEF partners over the next 12 months.

Key Judgement 3. It is likely that the UK will invest in climate change issues and international collaboration in the Arctic over the next 12 months.