Today, I submitted written evidence to an inquiry on the UK and the Arctic environment, which was called by the UK Parliament’s Environmental Sub-Committee on Arctic Research, a select committee of the House of Commons.

My evidence focused on the constructive role that the UK could play in supporting the Arctic Council, whose vital diplomatic and technical work has been paused since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.  In particular, I stress the role of education, including Model Arctic Council, in raising awareness of and support for the Arctic Council.  I believe the positive power of education, especially in the longer term, has been overlooked in the inquiry’s terms of reference.  The terms don’t mention education at all, though they do mention UK-based Arctic research, as well as diplomatic and military support.

Publishing written evidence to a parliamentary inquiry requires the permission of the committee concerned.  But all evidence is normally made publicly available when the inquiry concludes.  I look forward to being able to share my evidence then, as well as to read the Sub-Committee’s report.