Gillian
Merron: The debate has been wide-ranging and constructive
in respect of our joint concern about the Arctic. There is some debate
about the nature of
the document before us, but I accept the point made by the hon. Member
for Hammersmith and Fulham that the European Scrutiny Committee is, by
definition, focused on documents. I again reassure the Committee that
I, the Minister for Europe and all other FCO Ministers are committed to
being helpful in enabling Parliament and parliamentarians to do their
job. There is no question about that. A review of how we can provide
information has just been completed, and the Minister for Europe has
been working closely with the Chairman of the European Scrutiny
Committee, and will continue to do so. On the matter before us, for
which I am the lead Minister, we are committed to providing, and will
provide, regular information to the Scrutiny Committee.
My first
general point is that the UK welcomes the Commission’s
communication. It is an example of renewed EU interest in Arctic
issues. It is important to take an holistic view of the region and
support the overall approach set out in the communication. Perhaps
there is misunderstanding over the nature of the communication. I hope
that I have helped to give greater understanding. The three general
aims are preserving and protecting the Arctic, promoting the
sustainable use of resources and enhancing Arctic multilateral
co-operation and governance. They are not about seeking to intrude or
take over. We must remember that resources in the EU are potentially
available to fund research, mitigation and adaptation, all of which are
important to today’s
discussion. The
hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk asked about Russia’s so-called
Arctic strategy. I clarify that that is not about just military
provisions. Importantly, it sets out priorities for social and economic
development, ecological security, information technology and,
crucially, international co-operation. I believe that we should
continue to establish a co-operative approach between the EU and
Russia. The
hon. Member for Hammersmith and Fulham mentioned subsidiarity. It bears
repeating that further details on the role of the Commission and member
states will be a fundamental part of future negotiations, especially in
areas where member states have competence or where it is shared. As I
have said, this is a first-stage
document. In
closing, the UK has many important commercial, environmental and
strategic interests in the Arctic. We further those in a range of ways
bilaterally and multilaterally. Therefore, for us the EU has a positive
role to play in dealing with the variety of challenges that we
increasingly face. I welcome the communication as a first step on the
way to an EU Arctic
policy. I
repeat my thanks to the European Scrutiny Committee for its continued
interest in these issues. I hope that that will continue. My wish is
that we will work together constructively on this matter. Along with
many Committee members, I believe that it is in all our interests that
the Arctic is properly managed and
protected. Question
put and agreed
to. 5.33
pm Committee
rose.
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