UK's gaps in Arctic defence leave it open to Russian attacks, committee warns

  The UK has "glaring gaps" in its ability to defend the Arctic region, leaving it vulnerable to potential Russian attacks, a report by MPs has warned.

The Commons Defence Committee said a shortage of Royal Navy warships and submarines was leaving the country's critical infrastructure in the High North, including undersea cables and energy supplies, exposed.

In the event of a conflict, the report added that Russia could threaten the UK's population, civilian and military infrastructure and vital supply routes across the Atlantic from the US.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it is "clear-eyed about the threat Russia posed" and is investing heavily to protect Britain's undersea cables.

Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously warned that Russia could attack Nato by the end of the decade.

The High North - which includes the Arctic circle and areas adjacent to it - has become central to the UK's defence concerns in recent years.

Earlier this year, the MoD said Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic is now back to the same levels as the Cold War era.

FULL REPORT AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmj471wgpky7o